It's the start of a new academic year, and for many of you this will mean starting or returning to university. Being a student can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also come with it's fair share of stress. Balancing studies, exams and social commitments can be, at times, overwhelming.
Chloe, our Wellbeing and Equality Support Officer, has put together a list of the JLD Committee's top tips, tricks and suggestions on how you can manage stress and maintain a balanced student lifestyle that will see you through university and into your profession.
1. Prioritise self-care
Looking after yourself should be your number one priority. It is essential you get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, stay hydrated and try to engage in regular physical activity, even if it’s a brief walk around the block. These self-care practices can help improve your focus, boost energy levels and most importantly, help reduce stress.
2. Time management and organisation
Effective time management and organisation can be key to reducing stress during your studies and during your exam period. Organising your workload by allocating time slots for revising and social commitments will help make your workload manageable and will prevent last-minute cramming. One of our top tips is to ensure that you make good, detailed
notes. You will need these further down the line and you will need to rely on them. The work you put in throughout the year will pay off in the end. Also, ensure you are including time for sleep too!
3. Seek support
Never hesitate to reach out to family and friends for support when you need it. Sometimes, simply venting or seeking advice can provide a fresh perspective and help release some of the pressure. Additionally, most colleges and universities offer you a mentor or services that can provide professional guidance or support. If you are genuinely struggling, or have external stress, always reach out. Never suffer in silence!
4. Connect with your peers
Connecting with and being surrounded by other students can be invaluable during stressful times. It's always helpful to be able to share the experience with someone and it can be beneficial to everyone as you all get to build on your strengths and weaknesses. Having supportive and positive individuals to share experiences with and to revise with can help reduce the pressure and stress of studies and exams, even if it is simply just having a chat.
However, it is also important to remember that setting yourself some boundaries is healthy. Sometimes you may find that your peers have less of a workload, or that they are not as committed to their studies as you are and that they want to go out often. It is okay to say no sometimes and put yourself first, especially when you have upcoming deadlines.
5. Set realistic goals and expectations
Setting yourself realistic goals is crucial for managing stress. We think it is important to break down the larger tasks into smaller, more achievable ones. Always celebrate your achievements along the way. This will help boost your motivation and your confidence, and remember it is okay to ask for help or to adjust your goals along the way if needed.
6. Practice relaxation exercises
Incorporating relaxation exercises into your routine can help to reduce stress. These exercises could be deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga and all of these can help to calm your mind and reduce stress. It is important to find what works best for you and try to make this a regular practice to promote a sense of calm and reduce stress.
7. Take regular breaks
Finally, taking regular breaks is key for maintaining focus and productivity. We would recommend that you engage in activities that you enjoy, such as reading a book, listening to music, or going for a walk. Taking breaks at regular intervals helps to refresh your mind and provide a much-needed rest from all those academic pressures.
Whilst stress is a common part of student life, it doesn’t have to consume you. By applying these top tips, you can manage your stress and maintain a balanced lifestyle. If you prioritise self-care, organisation and take regular breaks, you can manage the challenges of student life. And remember – enjoy your time as a student, it can also be one of the best times of your life!
If you are studying at Huddersfield University and feel that you do need to reach out for support, you can find details of who to contact here: https://students.hud.ac.uk/help/wellbeing/
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