5 ways to plan your stress away
As the trimester gets underway, being organised with a bit of planning and the right resources can help you manage stress as you get busier. Whether it’s accessing your readings, leveraging the expertise of librarians or finding the perfect study spot, there are several strategies to stay organised and stress-free.
In this blog, we’ll explore five ways to plan your stress away, ensuring you have a smoother and – hopefully – more successful trimester!
1. Mind Matters Week
Take a moment to find your inner calm by visiting Deakin Library during Week 4 (29 July–2 August) for Mind Matters Week. Enjoy pats and chats with friendly therapy dogs and their handlers or unwind with a soothing cup of herbal tea from our tea station. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors will be available to discuss mindfulness and share tips for managing stress. Don’t miss out on our journal giveaways, perfect for starting your mindfulness journey.
Therapy dogs will be available at:
- Burwood: Monday 29 July, 12–1pm
- Waurn Ponds: Monday 29 July, 10.30–11.30am
- Waterfront: Monday 29 July, 12.30–1-30pm
- Warrnambool: Tuesday 30 July, 1–2pm
However you choose to get involved, we’d love to see you in the library. Everyone is welcome in our spaces. Check out the Mind Matters calendar of events to see what’s happening in the library and around campus.
2. Take note of your deadlines and readings
Keeping on top of your readings and important dates can significantly reduce stress. By doing this, you won’t have to worry about whether you’ve missed an assignment deadline or forgotten about a reading. Keep track of assignment deadlines, exam dates and other key events using a planner or digital calendar. You can mark the Deakin Key Dates and any due dates for your courses supplied by your course convener.
The Your Reading List tool on the library website can be used to locate the textbooks and materials you need for each course you take. Just search for your course in the search bar. Make sure to double check with your lecturer that these readings are correct. To learn more about how to access textbooks and readings, find out what you need to know on the library blog. By having a clear plan, you can be prepared and more relaxed.
3. Use your librarian – the original search engine!
Librarians are invaluable resources for finding information and navigating the library’s extensive resources. They are the original search engine and are always ready to answer your questions! They can help you locate specific articles, books and other materials for your assignments. They are also friendly faces that can point you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to pick their brains. You can reach out to them anytime on Library Chat on the Deakin Library website, or walk into your campus library and head to the service desk.
4. Take advantage of digital resources
The library offers a variety of digital resources that you can access anytime, anywhere. From e-books and online journals to databases, these resources provide you with a wealth of information at your fingertips. A great place to start is with the library catalogue and databases. By familiarising yourself with these tools, you can make the most out of the library’s digital offerings to streamline your study process. We have search tips and planning tools that will help you find the best digital resources tailored to your needs. You never know when finding an obscure resource will help you ace an assignment!
5. Find a study buddy and reset
Studying with a friend or group can improve your learning experience and keep you motivated. It’s great to have people to lean on when studying gets stressful! The library offers bookable study rooms that you can reserve to collaborate with your study buddies in a quiet, focused environment. Sharing the workload and supporting each other can make studying less daunting.
If you need a moment of peace and quiet, the Reset Room is a great place to take a break and recharge. It has comfortable chairs and furnishings, programmable lights and a curtain over the windows for privacy and to promote self-regulation. There is a Reset Room at each campus library for you to take advantage of. Learn more about the Reset Rooms on the library blog.
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We hope these tips will help keep the stress away this trimester. Be sure to check the Deakin Library What’s On calendar for all the Mind Matters events happening in the library. We look forward to seeing you there!