Self care for students

As a HDR student, it can sometimes be a challenge to balance your health and wellbeing with your studies.  Progress on your research and the completion of your thesis is important, but so is looking after yourself. Here are a few forms of self-care for you to try that won’t take too much time away from your research and writing.

Exercise

Taking regular breaks from study is important for your health. Try and stand up and move around for five minutes at least every hour that you’re studying. Consider using those five minute breaks to take a walk around the block or do some stretches at your desk.

Healthy eating

Eating healthy food can give you added brain power and increase your energy levels. Try to eat foods that help with brain function and keep processed foods to a minimum when you’re studying. Save the chocolate as an end of studying reward! Work a few brain-food recipes into your diet and see what kind of effect it has on your studies.

Take a break!

When you’re working out your study schedule make sure you include some time for breaks. It can be hard to put aside time from something as important as studying, but the mind needs regular rest. Use that time to do something you love, like watching a half-hour of TV, reading a book or grabbing a cup of coffee.

Meditation

If you’ve never tried meditation, you’ll be surprised at how well it clears your mind. Just taking 15 minutes to sit quietly and breathe normally can have a very positive impact on your wellbeing. Next time you have a study break, try out this guided meditation as see what you think. If you’re interested in exploring meditation further you can check out the Smiling Mind app for Apple and Android.

Counselling

If you feel the need to reach out to someone at any time you can book an appointment with a Deakin counsellor. You don’t have to access counselling support in person – phone appointments are also available. As a Deakin student you can access up to 6 counselling sessions each year for free. All of our counsellors are highly skilled psychologists and social workers who will listen to your concerns and discuss the best way for you to handle your situation.

(Content adapted from the Deakin Life blog post dated 30 Jan 2019.)