Procrastination and leaving things to the last minute is something that is very common amongst students (it is something that is done all the time, to be honest) but it increases your stress levels and makes you study less as a result of it. Leaving it to the last minute is a not only a bad habit, but it can harm your physical and mental health. Here are some tips that we’ve come up with that you can put into practice to help you feel less stressed and more accomplished with your studies and your work.
Plan your week
Planning your week can massively increase your productivity and make it less stressful. Plan the days and times you are going to study as well as your breaks. If you have what you are going to study prepared the day before, it makes it easier for you to accomplish more.
Take regular breaks
It can’t be just work, work, work. Sitting in front of a computer screen for hours on end will not help you, it’s healthy to take regular breaks and also stretch your legs and get some fresh air. It doesn’t matter how much work you think you have, you always have time to take little breaks. Resting your brain for just 5 or 10 minutes is more important than you may think. Taking a little time just to go outside and taking a deep breath can massively help you relax, help with your creativity and help you be more productive. After your little break you will think better and feel better; you will also be more prepared to continue with your study. You shouldn’t view breaks as something extra but as part of the work itself.
Reward yourself
Reward yourself with a little chocolate, or something that you like when you finish studying a specific chapter, or when you finish a specific project. Rewarding yourself for small accomplishments makes studying less hard and more enjoyable.
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Have a balanced diet
It’s easy to get into a habit of unhealthy eating when the exam period hits, but that only makes you binge eat and feel worse, try to keep a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Having said the above, there is nothing wrong with a little treat from time to time.
Keep hydrated
Make sure that you keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water as dehydration can cause headaches and can make you feel dizzy. A perfect way to maintain this is to keep a bottle of water by you when studying – you will find yourself reaching for it without even realising.
Visit Sunny Hill House
If you are feeling too stressed and anxious, there are always services within the university that can help you. If you are facing an issue and don’t know how to solve it, it can have an impact on your working ability, visit Sunny Hill House for a drop in session for extra support – Mon – Fri (2pm-3pm). There are also Therapy Dogs which can help you relax. There’s nothing better than having some fun with furry friends!
It’s easy to get lost amongst all the revision stress and exam anxiety, but it’s important to know that you are not alone and the university are always looking out for you. Try to give these tips a go and tell us how it went!
