Psychology lecturer Nicholas Ryan shares his tips on how you can make online study easier
As we approach the end of Trimester/Semester 1, now is crunch time for submitting assignments and preparing for your exam replacement tasks.
It’s undoubtedly been a big adjustment for everyone transitioning to online study in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re sure you’re all looking forward to a well-earned break. To help you enjoy and get the most out of your final weeks of online study for T1/S1, Psychology lecturer Nicholas Ryan shares these valuable tips.
- Try to carve out a space in your home that’s just for work. A desk, a table where you can maintain a setup, or a room if you’re lucky. This space should only be for work/study, if possible. Try to make this a well-lit space, far from where you sleep.
- Stick to your regular morning routine. Then go to your work/study space, just as though you’re heading to campus. Maintaining your routine is super helpful for getting into ‘study mode’.
- Refocus on tasks that you can do from home. Write, make a start on your coursework assignments, read journal articles, start planning out your literature review for your research project.
- Take breaks! Often! Get up from your workspace and read, hang out with your pets, watch an episode of your favourite TV show, nap, play a game, paint your nails. Recognise when you’re cognitively loaded and not working well, and step away from study for a bit.
- Incorporate some physical activity into your daily study routine. Exercise is a natural stress reducer and can counteract that afternoon fatigue slump that we all experience!
- Anxiety is a normal human response to the big changes happening in our community over recent weeks. Having ways to help manage our emotions so we can think as clearly as possible is a good idea. For many people, activities like exercise, meditation or mindfulness can be helpful for managing stress and anxiety.
- Still use the same social support structures you would normally use to stay sane. FaceTime your friends and family regularly. Start an online study group with your peers. Social distancing does not equal social isolation.
Need some guidance as you study online?
The Faculty of Health has designed workshops to help you thrive as you study online. Check out the Student Engagement and Transition Support Program for the upcoming events over the next few weeks.