With courseload ramping up, academic and personal stress has settled into most people’s lives. Here are my best tips for staying disciplined, motivated, organized and, most importantly, happy and healthy this fall.
1) 3-2-1 method
I often find that the transition phase between tasks is the hardest to overcome. If I’m in my bed and scrolling on my phone, the task of getting up and locking in seems daunting. To combat this, I use the 3-2-1 method: in my head, I’ll count down from 3 and get up when I reach 1. This gives my mind something to do and distracts me while I get ready to start my task. I notice that after I begin, the work seems less stressful and I can truly concentrate.
2) Notes app
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I hate using planners. The task of having to lug around a book with me at all times is hard for me to stick to. Instead, I utilize the Notes app on my phone that I sync with my computer. Being able to jot everything down at a moment’s notice and organize when I get home is more convenient and effective.
3) Take breaks
When you’re on hour two or three of studying, your mind can lose focus easily. I find that taking a break is vastly beneficial.
Different ways to take breaks:
- Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of working followed by a five minute break, and repeat. You can find custom timers online, especially on Youtube, that can help set the aesthetic appeal of your study session (rain ambience is my favorite).
- Switching between tasks: If you have more than one type of work to do, it’s best to take breaks from one type of work to do another type of work. It gives different parts of your brain time to rest. For example, yesterday I had terms to memorize for psychology and a long article to read for my film class. I divided my time equally between the two, spending 25 minutes on one and then 25 minutes on another. I felt more refreshed and productive, and I was able to focus for longer.
- Go for a walk: The most underrated form of taking a break. Sitting for long periods of time can slow your circulation and make you tired. Get your blood flowing on a walk, and you’ll feel refreshed and ready to approach your work again with a fresh perspective.
4) Don’t overload
There are so many cool organizations here, and I would love if I could join them all. At the Student Involvement Fair, I definitely felt some serious decision fatigue. However, overloading yourself with work can be detrimental, and you’ll often find that putting your energy into two or three things you’re super passionate about is better than joining as many clubs as possible and doing half-hearted work.
5) Optimal sleep
Contrary to popular belief, not all hours of the night are worth the same. Research from the Cleveland Health Clinic suggests that the best hours to be asleep are from 10pm to 2am, as that is when your body’s natural circadian rhythm maximizes deep sleep and melatonin production. When given a choice, it’s always better to prioritize sleep in this timeframe, even if that means having to wake up at an earlier time the next day to get work done.
6) Mindset is everything
While hard work is valuable, nothing is more important than your physical and mental health. Working too hard can cause a multitude of issues, and no one gets an award for suffering. Instead of overloading yourself, constructing a schedule that maximizes your own personal health and happiness is the most important of all. Make sure to do the things you like, whether that be having fun with friends or setting aside time to do your favorite hobbies. With good time management, you can thrive.
On campus, there are a multitude of resources to help if you are struggling. Go to this link to seek professional support if you are feeling down. It is never embarrassing to ask for help!
Stay safe, Blue Jays, and have a good semester!
