International Student Ambassador Wera shares her tips to stay healthy when university gets stressful
Going to university, whether that be as a first, second, third-year or postgraduate student, involves some pretty stressful times. Perhaps you have several deadlines within a short period of time? Maybe you’re in a society? Have a job or any other responsibilities that take up your time?
Everyone can experience periods of stress, and it can feel overwhelming. Finding balance while maintaining your social and mental well-being is a difficult, but crucial, task. As a third-year student, I’ve had some trial and error in managing stress, and there are definitely things I wish I learnt in my first year, or even earlier.
I’ll be sharing some tips on how to manage these times and stay on top of your work while prioritising yourself.
1. Planning/time management
The most important step to take in managing stressful times is definitely planning. I like to plan out my days and to-do’s on paper as it helps me keep track of what I’m doing and need to do. The planning stage can however be stressful itself, so here are some tips:
- Divide your tasks into urgent and non-urgent, and prioritise the urgent ones.
- Break up your tasks into smaller tasks. This will help you keep track of yourself, while keeping your tasks manageable. Plus, having done three smaller tasks instead of one big one can make you feel more accomplished.
- Break up your goals into smaller goals. The same philosophy applies here. Breaking up your goals can make them feel more manageable and you’ll feel accomplished, while not overwhelming yourself.
- Establish a routine. This is key for me, as it means I basically don’t have to think, but rather just do. You don’t have to plan out your whole days, but developing a routine that incorporates everything you have to do can prevent procrastination and will help keep you focused. For example, write a brief plan about what needs to get done tomorrow and when you’re doing it the night before.
2. Change your environment
Studying in the same place every day can seem like the best way to get work done efficiently. However, it can backfire, which I learned the hard way in my second year of university. Despite being in the library for hours, I’d find myself scrolling through my phone or doodling instead of doing my work.
Changing the location you work in will reinstate your focus, as you are more alert in new environments. I would suggest rotating between a couple of different locations, such as the library, cafés, or even some of the university buildings such as Dennis Sciama or Richmond.
3. Remember your physical health
Neglecting yourself or your physical health during stressful times can happen quite easily, but it’s vital to prioritise yourself, or it can reflect negatively on your work and well-being.
Make sure you get enough sleep, and try to get your steps in! Maybe go for a walk after a library session, or go to a yoga class in the afternoon or during the weekend. Long warm showers or a bath can also really help you de-stress!
I love going on walks while listening to my favourite podcast. What I like to do to get my steps in is take a detour from my normal route when going back home from the library. This way, I get some more fresh air, and I don’t have to get up and leave the house again if I don’t want to! Going on a slightly longer walk after being in the library also helps me relax and distance myself from uni work.
4. Take breaks from social media
Keeping up to date with everything that’s going on on social media takes a lot of time - should be considered a full-time job in my opinion. There are so many different platforms with so much content to be consumed, and not being actively involved can make you feel out of the loop.
Try to reprogram your mind and shift focus! While social media is a great space to build connections, update your friends and find inspiration, much of the content on social media is not beneficial, and can add even more stress to your situation.
Allow yourself to take breaks from constantly being online. During my study sessions, I turn my phone off so I have no distractions. If this feels a bit extreme, there are apps you can use that help you stay off your phone, such as Flora, where you plant a virtual seed and it grows while you do your work!
Aside from those practical steps to keep yourself productive, I recommend only making sure you take care of your mental health.
Many people tend to self-isolate during stressful times, which increases your loneliness and can decrease your overall well-being. It’s during times like this the support of your friends or family can be vital! Try to keep in contact with your friends and family, even if it’s just a phone call or having a coffee together.
Also, never forget to reward yourself when you’ve reached a milestone! I usually treat myself to a nice meal, go out for drinks with friends or simply get myself a well-deserved coffee and a rest when I’ve accomplished one of my goals (if you break your goals up into smaller goals, this will mean more treats!).
Bringing snacks to your study sessions can also help motivate you. I rarely go to the library without bringing a chocolate bar or a nice drink.
Finally, consciously make time for yourself, and do something you enjoy once in a while; watch your favourite film, paint your nails, do a face mask, listen to your favourite music, take a nap, read, paint, or knit.
Trust yourself, you are more resilient than you think and you will make it through!