Did you know that if your mental health and wellbeing are in good enough shape, then your academic performance will be more productive also?
Have a think about your favourite athlete or team – you can be sure that all their needs are being taken care off – the right food, hydration, exercise, proper sleep, social contact & mental health support. If one of these is affected, then their performance will be affected.
When it comes to ourselves, these needs can get thrown aside because of the busyness of life and inability to prioritise our own mental health.
Coming back after long time away from education, working or having other responsibilities like being a carer or parent and then having tackle academic writing, research and presentations can all impact life balance and learning and that familiar feeling of panic and overwhelm can set in.
By making some small manageable changes, life can feel a little easier to navigate and a good way of doing this is to have a look at your needs and check if they are being met. Are the basics like – getting proper sleep, drinking enough water, sleeping well and getting some exercise all in balance? Are you taking some time out for yourself to think and reflect and have some peace? Are you getting out socially to talk to your friends and have fun? When is the last time you laughed? If you struggle to answer these questions, you may need to re-think a few things and start putting yourself first a little bit more.
Also, have a think about your relationship with social media – are you lost in scrolling sometimes? Hours can pass without realising. This time could be used to do other, much more meaningful things like reading a book or magazine, meditating, going for a walk, enjoying a coffee, exercising, watching a funny movie with family or on your own – the list could go on.
One thing that students find highly beneficial is getting up a little earlier in the morning for some time alone – we all need privacy and peace and first thing in the morning is great for this and can help ground you for the day.
A HUGE point to remember is – Good Mental Health & Wellbeing = Good Academic Performance. There are so many tips and tricks on how to manage study, write assignments etc but the real backbone to this and everything else in life is good mental health. If you are in a good space mentally, then you have more space & energy to deal with whatever is thrown at you personally and academically.