Top Ten Tips for... Staying Healthy & Happy While Studying
Did you know that 15th October is World Students’ Day? Established back in 2010, this is a day for people to come together, share their learning ideas and experiences and get inspired by each other's stories.
In light of this annual event, we wanted to share some of our top tips for students, particularly when it comes to maintaining your health and wellbeing while studying.
1. Plan your day
It’s a good idea to have a game plan when it comes to studying, especially if you’re juggling your education around other work commitments and your personal life. Creating a game plan and setting aside time for your study can help you feel more relaxed and can allow you to break up your study sessions into manageable chunks. This way, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed or pressured by deadlines.
2. Eat well
Sometimes, eating a healthy and balanced diet can seem difficult when your life is busy and your mind is focused on other things. However, if you’re not eating right, you could be starving your brain of essential nutrients and making it harder to concentrate. Start off by making sure you don’t skip breakfast – eating the right foods in the morning can provide you with much needed energy and can help improve your cognitive function.
3. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is key! Many people put hydration on the backburner when they’re busy or stressed, but drinking plenty of water will help keep your body and brain working at the optimal level, as well as improving concentration and helping you stay focused.
4. Take regular breaks
Whether you’re tackling a big project at work or studying for an exam, it’s important to disconnect and take regular breaks. Even if you’re facing a deadline, taking micro breaks can help manage stress levels and get you re-focused on the task at hand. Whether you get up to make a cup of tea, take a walk in the fresh air or meet up with a friend for a chat, regular breaks can be just as important as time spent studying, especially for your health and wellbeing.
5. Get moving
If you’re working or studying from home then you may find yourself sat at the computer for hours at a time. One of the best things you can do for your body and brain is introduce a little bit of exercise. You may not have time to go out and hit the gym – and that’s okay – so why not look at work outs that you can do from home instead? There are even some great exercises you can do from your computer chair! A brisk walk in the fresh air can certainly be really helpful for both your physical and mental health.
6. Learn stress management tools
Studying can be stressful at the best of times, particularly when it comes to exam season or deadlines. And for those students who are choosing to learn alongside their full time work, your schedule may be downright overwhelming at times. Take time to discover what really helps you relax and re-focus and then go from there. For some it may be the rush of endorphins from exercise and for others it may be a 20 minute nap or meditation. By finding the right tools to help manage your stress and incorporating them into your schedule, you’ll find it easier to manage your study without sacrificing your mental health.
7. Get a good night’s sleep
Potentially one of the most important points on this list, getting a good night’s sleep is vital when it comes to staying healthy as you study. Studies show that getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night is essential for your memory, stress management and concentration. If you struggle to prioritise your sleep, why not set a sleep schedule? Try going to bed at the same time each night and then set an alarm for the same time each morning – this will allow you to feel more rested and get your brain functioning at full capacity.
8. Stay social
Did you know that social interaction is proven to be beneficial for both your physical and mental health? While you’re trying to find the ideal work/life balance, don’t forget to include time with your family and friends. Reaching out to talk to the people you care about is also a great way to recharge your batteries and can be the perfect opportunity to let out any feelings of stress you may have been bottling up.
9. Listen to your body
These days, your work and study may require a lot of screen time which can be quite straining on your eyes. By positioning your screen at least an arms-length from your face and taking regular screen breaks you can help combat any damage to your eyes. You may also need to take care of your posture, as hunching over a desk or laptop can cause pain and discomfort after a long period of time. Try to sit with a straight back and, if possible, make sure your screen is in line with your eyes.
10. Don’t neglect your mental health
Physical and mental health go hand in hand so to make sure you stay healthy and happy while you study, it’s important to prioritise both. If spending time studying alone is making you feel isolated, be sure to reach out to those people you care about – perhaps you can even study together? Remember to take notice of any feelings you may have of anxiety and depression and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you are struggling.
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