Some students are familiar with feeling the pressure of increasing study commitments and the added burden it brings, but it doesn’t really have to be this way, Making an effort to balance study with relaxation is very important for your peace of mind as well as for the quality of your study.
The Importance Of Finding A Balance
It’s important not to overdo things when you’re studying although it is equally important to remember that if you’re taking too much time out to relax, it probably means that you’re not studying enough! It is best to find a balance between study and relaxation which will decrease the chances of you becoming totally stressed out and overwhelmed by everything you need to get done.
A good balance involves studying effectively so that you can complete all your work and still find time to fit in a good amount of relaxation each day. Relaxation is important as it impacts positively on your ability to learn, think clearly, focus and recall information.
How Do I Study Effectively?
Effective studying does not simply mean studying for the appropriate amount of time, but employing techniques to ensure that the work you are doing is productive. Here are a few things you can do when you sit down to study to maximise your study session:
- Prepare A Schedule. Write down how long you intend to study and any specific objectives you need to achieve within this time.
- Take A Regular Break. Even though everyone works in a different way, you should still factor in a short break every hour.
- Remove All Distractions. It is helpful to have a study environment that is separate to where you relax. It is also sensible to remove mobile phones and laptops because like it or not, they are a distraction.
- Get A Study Buddy. It can be beneficial to set study goals with a friend so that you can discuss with each other what you have achieved at the end of a session.
When Is It Time To Relax?
Once you’ve completed your study schedule, it’s officially your time to relax! It’s time to put your feet up, watch TV, surf the internet and generally, forget about anything study-related. It is ideal that you have some relaxation time like this every day of the week.
Remember that while a bit of stress can be healthy and productive, if you’re feeling completely overwhelmed it could be your body’s way of telling you to slow down. Following the guidelines listed above should, however, set you on the right track to achieving the correct study/relaxation ratio and a happy and successful outcome in studying for your online degree.
