The transition to college presents many challenges, including learning to live independently and navigating new social relationships. The difficulties of managing the increased academic workload are often overlooked. With campus organizations, athletics, social life, classes and the occasional homesickness, students can easily struggle to balance everything and risk burnout. Avoiding stress and anxiety is possible, but it requires preparation. Establishing strong, consistent study habits is a game changer, and the time to start is now.
1) Plan, plan, plan!
Everyone has experienced the frustration of re-reading the same sentence at 1:30 a.m., trying to cram for a quiz the next morning. As exhaustion sets in, anxiety builds. To avoid this, write out each assignment and due date from your syllabi into a digital calendar to plan your daily tasks. Invest in a planner to create a to-do list for class work and other tasks, like laundry, extracurriculars or errands. Planners simplify your workload, clarify assignments and provide the satisfaction of crossing off tasks. Writing things down helps students better grasp information and planning is one of the most effective stress-management techniques. All items crossed off? Get ahead by checking your digital calendar and tackling future tasks to enjoy your weekends stress-free. Also, begin assignments when they’re assigned. It’s easy to put off homework, but it quickly accumulates.
2) Your environment matters
After a long day of classes, the temptation to lay in bed while trying to start assignments is strong — but don’t give in! Separating your study space from your personal space helps you to retain information better. People associate specific environments with certain activities, and your bed is no exception. Personal spaces are filled with distractions like mindless internet scrolling, cleaning or the lure to sleep. Explore campus to find your ideal study space, considering natural lighting, noise, privacy and comfort. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who will boost your productivity and hold you accountable. Ideally, work with others completing the same assignment or in the same field of study to stay focused and motivated.
3) Take a chill pill
Taking meaningful breaks between study sessions is crucial for recharging your brain and improving information retention. Activities like walking, grabbing a snack or calling your family provide an opportunity to destress and re-energize. However, scrolling through social media is not recommended, as your brain becomes addicted to these habits. Scrolling for just 15-20 minutes during each study session will progressively get longer, decreasing your productivity over time. On the other hand, intense studying without breaks may cause burnout. To achieve a successful balance and maximize your productivity, study breaks are essential.
4) Sleep!
About 26.4% of college students experience insomnia, but sleep is crucial for concentration, energy and overall mental health. When planning a study schedule, prioritize completing assignments due the next day. This ensures that no matter how much you work on future tasks, you can go to bed at a reasonable hour with peace of mind. The cost of a homework assignment should not outweigh your health. Start assignments as soon as they’re given, and you’ll consistently finish the most urgent tasks on time, promoting a healthy, productive cycle.
Above all, prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Implementing these tips into your study routine will make for a successful semester.
