There are all sorts of reasons why you may have decided to go back into education. Whether it’s to achieve personal satisfaction or to immerse yourself in a brand new subject area, if you’re not taking care of your health and wellbeing along the way, achieving the best grades may be unattainable.
Whatever your career prospects are, your mental and physical wellbeing should always come first. Before sinking your teeth into your course, here are some things you can do throughout your degree that will help you thrive academically and graduate with top marks.
Pick the Right Course
When you factor in how much time, money, and effort you’ll put into your degree, it’s vital you pick a course that you’ll get the most benefit from. You don’t want to sign up for a program to find it doesn’t align with your professional endeavors. You’ll have plenty of time to sift through course specifications and entry requirements, which should give you a better idea of what to expect, and how it will translate into your career prospects.
Whether you have a passion for nursing and look into accelerated BSN online programs at Baylor University, or you consider yourself a future entrepreneur and decide on an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree, make sure you choose wisely. If you have any doubts, speak to an advisor at the university who will give you more details about the course and whether it’s right for your needs.
Eat Brain-Boosting Food
Once you’ve chosen your desired course and get started, it’s time to look at your diet. As a student, you’ll need to fill your plate with plenty of brain-boosting food that will keep your productivity levels up and ensure you stay focused on your work. Rather than having takeout numbers on speed dial, foregoing processed junk and sticking to healthier alternatives will pay off in the long run.
Some of the best foods that will boost your brain and memory include fatty fish, blueberries, broccoli, and turmeric. Even after a long day of studying and coursework, try your best to eat healthily. Of course, you can have a treat once in a while, but try not to make it the norm. Everything in moderation is always best!
Take Breaks from Learning
As you navigate through your course, it’s understandable you’ll want to spend many of your waking hours behind a desk. However, too much studying in one go can be more harmful for your health than you realize. Whether you study online from home or choose a land-based establishment, it’s crucial you take regular breaks away from your work.
Regular breaks allow your mind and body to relax and destress. This means once you return to your workload, you will be full of drive and stamina to get stuck back in. Don’t feel guilty about having some time away from your studying.
Talk to Loved Ones
Having a strong support network around you during your studies is essential for your health and wellbeing. Knowing you have loved ones by your side every step of the way can serve as motivation and spur you on to keep going. There may be times where things get too much and you want to give up, so having people to speak to and lean on can give you an opportunity to vent and let out any stress.
You may have family members or friends who have been in your shoes before. This can help when it comes to getting advice and support. Make sure you’re open and honest about how you’re feeling, rather than letting everything build up inside.
Make Time for Exercise
If you’re slouched on your chair for hours at a time, this will do your posture no favors. It’s a good idea to get up and do some exercise during your study breaks. Whether you head outside and go for a walk, head to the gym, or do some dancing in your living room, getting your heart pumping can release endorphins in the brain and instantly boost your mood.
Exercise is essential during your time as a student. If the idea of physical activity fills you with dread, try and look into different activities and sports that interest you. There’s no point running on a treadmill if you don’t feel any benefit from it. Instead, choose an activity that keeps you interested.
Get Better Sleep
As a student, you may end up studying into the early hours. While some people do work better at night, if you’re always waking up feeling run down, this is probably the reason why. It’s good to get into a sleep routine that will adjust your body clock and keep your mind and body happy and healthy.
If you climb into bed worrying about a piece of coursework or an upcoming exam, actually getting enough sleep may feel impossible. To combat this, try and spend a few hours before bed away from your smartphone or television. Reading a book will mean there’s no worry of blue light, allowing you to fully relax and unwind before hitting the sheets.
Practice Stress-Busting Techniques
Many students practice all sorts of stress-busting techniques which can reduce anxiety, release tension, and help you feel calmer. Whether yoga catches your eye, or guided imagery grabs your attention, make sure you find an exercise that you’ll enjoy.
As your stress levels decrease, not only will you sleep better, but you’ll also be in a better mood too. Also, lower stress helps you control your weight better, and you’ll find your relationships with friends and family improve. Regarding your physical health, low-stress levels will mean you get sick less often too.
Diving back into education can initially feel daunting. If your school days were more years ago than you’d care to admit, the prospect of studying and committing to a course can fill you with dread. However, making use of the tips above can help you succeed in your studies and ensure you reach the finish line with the grade you envisaged.
