First of all, I would like to be more clear about the on-campus resources I had mentioned in the first article. They fall under the Student Affairs umbrella but are physically located in different areas of the Wallace Mccain student centre.
One thing that really caught me off guard in first year was just how fast midterms came. It takes time to adjust to the university pace, and a couple weeks in, you may think “I’m getting the hang of this university thing,” and then BOOM you have three midterms in one week. Due to this common occurrence, I am providing some tips that you can use to take care of yourself when you are feeling defeated.
As much as it may appear that your professors think you should be studying every minute of every day, this is not the case. Our brains need breaks; stepping away from your books/computer screen for 10-15 minutes can make the time that you dial in even more productive. After getting through a busy day or week of assignments, make sure you take the chance to reward yourself for the work that you put in.
Exercise, while it may be hard to find time, can not only improve physical health but relieve stress and boost brain power. Sackville hosts a variety of options for getting out and being active, including the Waterfowl Park, Fitness Centre, Athletic Centre, and Alumni Field. Take the time to use these facilities by yourself or with friends.
You are what you eat, or so they say. It may seem when eating at Jennings or preparing things on your own that it is difficult to find healthy options. The nutrients we get from our food can improve brain function and therefore aids in academic performance. While there is nothing wrong with indulging once in a while with your favourite treat or meal, it is essential that you maintain a balance and create a steady diet to ensure that you and your brain are feeling and achieving their bests.
No one likes to feel rushed no matter what aspect of life it is. When we plan ahead, we give our brain more time to think and make well-informed decisions. By making a schedule, you are able to effectively organize academic responsibilities along with any other extracurriculars or club meetings you have. Once you are involved, it is easy to feel stretched too thin or overcommitted. By outlining days, weeks, and months you will find your time is much less scarce, and your life in general will feel much more balanced than before.
Even if you follow all of the incredible advice and guidance I have just given you, you may find that the stress of midterms and school is still mounting and taking a toll on your mental health. Remember, taking care of your mental health should always be your top priority! If you have any further questions about the resources available to students, please email me at [email protected]. Good luck and take care of yourselves this week!
Word of the week: Time. As much as people say they don’t, everyone does actually have it. What you do with it, how you spend it, and how you organize and schedule it is the defining factor when it comes to defining one’s relationship with time.
