This post is a modified version of an article that originally appeared on the Cengage EMEA “Unstoppable Minds Blog.”
Cengage EMEA Student Ambassador Bryony Hoyle from Trinity College Dublin shares some practical tips that your students can use to balance study and life while in college.
The transition from high school life to university life isn’t always easy. Faced with greater independence and a less structured schedule, it can be difficult to find a balance between academic work and socializing which can lead to stress and anxiety. Findings from research conducted by a Psychological Sciences Research Group at UWE in the UK, found that the challenges of living independently along with feelings of “lack of preparedness” in relation to independent study can be particularly distressing for students.
So what can make this transition easier?
Along with millions of students around the globe I’ve faced multiple challenges exacerbated by the health pandemic during my first year. Mastering a routine that allowed time for both academic work and a healthy lifestyle has helped me through. Taking heed of some of these tried-and-tested tips may help you to enjoy a healthy balance and positive mindset as you navigate university life, which in turn can reduce stress and combat mental health issues.
Journaling
It is important to check in with yourself every now and then, whether it’s at the start of the day, the end of the day or both, taking time to reflect on our lives is important for personal development and our mental health. This is time that we dedicate completely to ourselves and it can help us see what we’ve accomplished throughout the day whilst also exploring how we feel. A journal acts as a safe space to express feelings without judgement from others.
Pomodoro method
Set aside the time to complete your academic tasks where you will have limited distractions. Leaving your phone in another room or silencing notifications can allow you to complete work quicker and to a higher standard. Also, implementing the pomodoro method may leave you with a greater sense of productivity. This is where your time is split into 25 minutes of work with no distractions and followed by a short break of 5 minutes. After you’ve completed four segments of 25 minutes, you should grant yourself a longer break of 10/15 minutes. By doing this, you can concentrate on your studies knowing that you are rewarded at the end.
Setting a cut off time
It is possible that you may work late into the night leaving little consideration for doing things you enjoy. Having a cut off time for academic work can allow you to engage in other activities and create a healthy balance between work and social. Being strict with this cut off time can motivate harder work to complete tasks before the deadline whilst also allowing time to hang out with friends, go to the gym, read, or watch films. Remember, resting is just as important as studying.
Daily exercise
Try to exercise for at least thirty minutes daily. Everyone enjoys different forms of exercise so this could range from yoga to running to the gym. Whatever your preference, all forms of exercise will alleviate stress, boost serotonin levels, and relax the mind from the various stressors throughout the day. Joining a sports team also gives valuable opportunities to play a sport you enjoy whilst making new friends.
Plan, plan and plan some more
Planning out each day and making a list of those tasks that need to be accomplished can combat feeling overwhelmed. Crossing off a task can be both satisfying and empowering, investing in a planner is the perfect way to do this. It also makes it easier to track your progress throughout the term and ensures you never miss a deadline!
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while attending college is something all students struggle with at some stage but implementing these tips and tricks is a good start. Weave these into your daily routine and their benefits can be widespread but most importantly, they assist in having a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Student Ambassador Bryony Hoyle is an economics and political science student at Trinity College Dublin. Bryony first discovered MindTap during a first-year economics module. The interactive tools and the variety of features within the MindTap textbook allowed for effective exam revision. After enjoying the benefits of digital learning resources, Bryony is now a keen advocate for the inclusion of accessible online resources in education to suit every type of learner.
Bryony Hoyle offered some great advice on how students can balance study and life. In the article “Time Management and College Study Tips for Students,” Kierstan Taylor, a Human Services and Legal Studies Major, shares her tips for fellow students — to stay organized and prioritize time.