As the trimester draws to an end and you begin preparing for exams, the stress of studying can become overwhelming.
Here are a few tips to help keep your mental and physical wellbeing in check:
Make sure you’re getting enough quality sleep
That large coffee can only get you so far! Interrupted sleep and sleep deprivation not only affect your energy levels, but can also increase stress and impair your thinking, memory and concentration—which is the last thing you need when trying to understand and retain information for an exam.
Most adults need between seven and nine hours a night. You can also take a nap in the early afternoon if you feel that you need a quick recharge. The key to restful sleep is creating the right environment: ideally, this means a quiet, dark place free from distractions, at a comfortable temperature.
If you need a power nap while studying at the Library, we promise we won’t mind if you bring your sleep mask and travel pillow!
Refuel
Eating healthy, balanced meals throughout the day will keep you energised and feeling good. While getting enough fruit and vegetables is important, you can still treat yourself to something yummy now and then—just don’t rely on sugar to keep you going. Gather some healthy snacks in advance to nibble on during your study sessions.
Take a break
Taking some time to relax and do the things you enjoy will help you feel refreshed between study sessions. Catching up on your favourite tv show or playing video games is a great way to unwind, but if you’ve been staring at a computer all day it might also be a good idea to give your eyes a break from all that screen time. Get up and stretch those stiff muscles, go for a walk or listen to a podcast or some music. If you’ve been studying alone, have a chat with some friends or family; if you’ve been working with a study buddy or in a group, maybe you’d like some time by yourself to recharge.
Find what motivates you
At times, studying can feel like a real slog. It can be easy to get distracted or give up and just hope for the best. Discovering what motivates you to study can help you stay focused! Maybe you work best when you write out a daily or weekly schedule to stick to. Studying in a different location such as the Library or a coffee shop could spark your productivity. Or try creating small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you reach them.
We’re here to help
If your studies are becoming difficult to handle, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for some help:
- You can find a variety of resources and support for your mental and physical wellbeing via Griffith’s Online Health & Wellness Centre.
- Your Course Convenor is there to answer questions about your course content and exam requirements. You can also reach out to your lecturer or tutor.
- Student Connect has the answers when it comes to enrolment, program structure, deferring exams and other administrative questions.
- The Library is here to support your study with our services and resources. For specialist advice, use our online Get help from the Library form.