This is a trying time for everyone, but spare a special thought for students. A period of uncertainty and instability doesn’t exactly couple well with focus and self-discipline, and study can be stressful even at the best of times.
Indeed, many students will suffer from a mental health difficulty at some point during their studies and these issues can present themselves in myriad different ways. This propensity to stress and its adverse consequences may only be heightened by having to study from home at the moment, without a dedicated workspace, less obvious access to university materials, and no chance for face to face contact with peers and tutors.
Nonetheless, there are ways to look after yourself right now; check out our 10 IDEAL self care tips while studying from home.
ROUTINE RULES
Just because you’re not attending an actual university doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider making a routine or timetable and trying to keep to it. Within that schedule, you need to make sure you include regular breaks, time for work, and some time to have fun, too.
Routines and timetables have been shown to help you stay focused and will give you a better idea of what you need to get tasks done and to the best of your ability. During uncertain times, this is essential.
Try and set meaningful, manageable goals throughout the day of what you need to complete. Use not having to attend an actual university to your advantage; no time spent having to travel to campus, and a greater flexibility of when you meet your deadlines, self imposed or otherwise.
SET UP A DEDICATED WORKSPACE
If possible, it’s a good idea to set up a work area that is separate from your relaxing space, compartmentalising work and downtime succinctly and benefiting both in the process. Differentiating between revision and recreation is so vital when both occur within the same four walls. This will not only help to make you more productive while you are working, but it can also help improve your sleep and the quality of the time you spend relaxing.
KEEP THE BODY ACTIVE TOO
Exercise is a brilliant way to relax after a long day of studying. Why not consider taking up yoga? Or maybe time your daily walk to coincide with the conclusion of meeting your targets each day?
There are a number of reasons why physical activity is good for our bodies – improving our joints and having a healthy heart are just two examples, but evidence also shows that physical activity is great for our brains too. Some have even gone as far as to suggest that exercise makes us smarter.
As such, we need to change how we think about physical activity so that we stop seeing it as a chore and start valuing the myriad benefits it brings. Exercise can help us to feel good about ourselves, enable us to feel connected to our surroundings, gives us some control over our lives, and can raise the ol’ self esteem, too.
SET REALISTIC GOALS
We’ve already said that having a routine can help with your mental health, but we also need to make sure that we set goals that are achievable. By doing this, you’re more likely to see yourself progressing through your studies, which in turn will give you the confidence and motivation you need to reach your goals.
Don’t motivate yourself by trying to do too much. Instead, take some time each week to sit down, take stock and plan what you want to achieve each week. You’ll find your motivation increases each time you manage to tick off one of the goals on your list.
CONSIDER EXTENDED ONLINE STUDY
Until a few years ago, there wasn’t even a serious option to study online. However, in the past 10 years, this has changed dramatically. Online universities offer a wealth of courses, in all disciplines, from standard MBAs to doctorates and more. We now no longer need to leave the house to study for a PhD or a DBA, instead, it can all be done from the comfort of home. Right now, that’s obviously a huge blessing. If you’re clueless about the difference between a PhD and a DBA, check out this useful article on Aston Online which explains.
Many students are worried about what the world of study will look like post Coronavirus. But rest assured that online study will be available and adapting to suit new needs. We think that knowledge might bring some comfort.
There are multiple online tutor and revision services available, like Tutorspot.co.uk, Tutorful and Tutorhouse, who boast a wide variety of subjects and levels of study from GCSE to graduate. Finding a tutor online has never been easier.
COMMUNICATE
Just because you’re studying online, from home, doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help or talk to your peers. Staying in contact through social media channels or online discussion boards will not only stop you from feeling isolated, but will also allow you to get the help you need from your tutors when you require it.
Remember, you are in the same boat as many others – studying online, while perhaps juggling family commitments or a full-time job.
Turning to others for support – whether it be tips on time management or support with a particular module – can give you the impetus, different perspectives, and advice you need to complete your studies successfully.
What’s more, your tutor is there to help you when you need it – whether you’re struggling to get an assignment completed on time or if you’re struggling with a particular topic.
DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF
Remember that although studying is important, so is your mental wellbeing. Take some time out to do something you enjoy or to relax, each and every day. Whether that means spending time simply lying on your sofa. watching your favourite film, taking a leisurely bike ride through the local park, or reading a book before going to sleep, giving yourself that ‘me time’ to relax will help you recharge so that you’re ready to take on another day of studies. It’s a holistic, all encompassing approach; every aspect of your life benefits from a little self care each day.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Getting sufficient sleep is extremely important. We all know how we feel when we’ve not had enough sleep – irritable, grumpy and distracted. But getting a proper, regular night’s Zzzeds can have the opposite effect, enabling us to study to our full potential. Make sure you’re getting enough, and that your bedtime routine is well managed to fully enable this. That means responsible drinking (if any), perhaps a bath time before bed, and certainly no screens in the run up to sleep. Check out a more comprehensive rundown of the IDEAL bedtime routine here.
EAT WELL
Many students find themselves snacking or eating food which simply isn’t as healthy as it should be, due to time and financial constraints. But good practice when it comes to nutrition and diet can have a huge impact on how we feel. Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, grains and pulses of different colours, as well as having your fair fill of mood boosting foods, too.
BE MINDFUL
Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to help reduce stress and make us feel better, more composed and with a greater sense of gratitude for our lot in life. And the best bit? It doesn’t take a lot of time to complete a guided meditation session and it can be easily fitted into your daily schedule. Result! Check out out guide to 5 of the best mindfulness and meditation apps that will lead you through guided meditations.
Besides meditation, there are several other natural ways that you can reduce stress, and up your studying game. You could try adding a few herbal supplements to your diet, whether that’s Valerian root capsules or a cup of passionflower tea. All of these natural ingredients have been associated with reducing the symptoms of anxiety and stress, (yes please)!
With all these self care tips, you’ll soon perfect your studying regime, and feel way more relaxed. Good luck!