Trying to balance a combination of study, work, family life and everything in between can feel overwhelming at times. From achieving small goals to staying focussed on why you began study in the first place, here are the five top tips from those who’ve been there – OU students…
1. Take regular breaks
Sometimes it’s better to walk away and take a break so you can come back more focused.
“When there is a lot to do, it might seem counterproductive to take a break, but it helps to unwind and come back with more energy to grind on.” – @sabry.t84
“Take a step back. I remind myself that sometimes you just need a day to chill and centre yourself before going back to studying. I find taking a day every now and then to just do some self-care and chill, makes me more productive and more motivated when I go back to studying.” – @rhianon_sarah
“Get outside! Take the breaks you need and if you do fall behind, work harder in the upcoming days so that you can carry on taking nights/days off to enjoy yourself and breathe.” @charlottehunt23
2. Remind yourself of why you started studying
Remembering why you started studying can give you the boost of motivation you need to get through difficult times.
“I think about the bigger picture how much further I will progress in my career.” – @Leannelevittpt
“I think about how great it will feel to have achieved the impossible. If necessary, I adjust what I must do, what I should do and what I need to do. That varies each week.” – @mammaglamma
“I remind myself how much I wanted to become a university student and here I am!” – @_____saghar___
3. Break down the work into smaller sections
It can feel overwhelming to look at all the tasks you have to complete. Break it down in to smaller sections and tackle one bit at a time.
“When writing an essay, I try and do a paragraph at a time then do something else for 15 mins, takes me ages but it’s a way for me to not feel overloaded.” – @judenumber52
“Break it down into small steps I find it easier to do a few 1-2hour sessions than try to cram in a lot over a weekend.” – @5littleterrors
4. Stay organised and plan out your time
Making a plan can help you keep on top of your work.
“The key for me is making good linear notes on chapters so when I’m feeling overwhelmed with an essay a lot of the leg work with references and key points is already done.” – @natmay21
“Organisation skills – Mind maps, lots of post it notes, different colour markers and pens… stick mostly to the important key points when you feel overwhelmed.” – @aliciamolz
“Plan exactly what you are going to do and when. Create a study timetable where it tells you what part of the online material/reading/assignment to do when. Make sure to schedule regular breaks.” – @parkerabbieleigh
5. Set yourself small goals to achieve
Taking it one step at a time and achieving small goals can help reduce the stress of studying.
“I give myself an earlier submission date than the actual one… This means I have ‘wiggle room’, in case that life happens!” – @boys_a_dear
“Take one step at a time, one assignment at a time, one module at a time, always remember the end goal in moments of giving up and remember that, YES you CAN do it.” – @kattyeg3
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