Multitasking can trip you up: take it one step at a time to reach your assignment goals
It’s well and truly assignment time! If you have multiple deadlines looming, you might be multitasking by switching back and forth between different assessments at the same time.
Unfortunately, research shows that we, as human beings, are not actually very good with juggling multiple tasks at once and that this strategy makes you less productive, is linked to lower marks and increased levels of stress.
So, how can you study more effectively?
- You should only be focusing on one thing at a time. Allocate one task to a particular block of time by creating a daily or weekly study plan, and work your way through it methodically.
- Your study space should be quiet and free from distractions. Go to the library or book a study space on campus if you can’t find a quiet spot at home.
- Don’t force yourself to get through marathon study sessions. Your attention naturally wanders after a while, so commit to regular, short blocks of study instead with frequent breaks. You might find the popular Pomodoro technique useful for managing blocks of study – you can find a Pomodoro timer on the DeakinWELLBEING app.
Are you stressed? Here’s signs you need to slow down
- Pay attention to your body. It’ll tell you your stress levels are becoming a problem with symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, poor sleep or irritability. Everyone experiences stress in a very subjective way, so it might help you to write a list of the situations or factors that tend to affect you and think of strategies that help to reduce your stress.
- Create some dedicated relaxation time. This might include catching up with friends, engaging in physical activity or watching your favourite show. Participating in relaxing and enjoyable activities helps your body and nervous system to settle when you feel your stress levels increasing.
- A routine is very important for self-care. Aim to keep regular times for exercise and relaxation, mealtimes, waking and bedtimes, and nourish yourself with nutritious food. See Nourished @ Deakin if you’re looking for some healthy meal and snack inspiration to fuel your studies.
Seek help if you’re struggling
If you’re having a hard time coping and need some help, please know you are never alone – your wellbeing matters and we are here to help.
- Make an appointment with a Deakin Study Support Adviser to discuss your approach to work and learn how to complete your assessments on time.
- Check out the DeakinWELLBEING app which includes interactive tools, videos and podcasts that can enhance relaxation, focus, energy, mood and productivity.
- Deakin’s Wellbeing Live Chat is a free and anonymous service to ask any questions you have about your emotional wellbeing, for which you’ll receive an answer in real time from a Deakin mental health professional. If you have questions when the Wellbeing Live Chat is not available, you can still submit your question through Ask Counselling and a response to your question will be published by one of our Deakin counsellors within 72 hours.
- If you’re located in Australia and would like personalised assistance, access Deakin’s Counselling service for a confidential chat with one of our student mental health experts.
- If you need immediate relief and emotional support after-hours, between 5pm–9am on weekdays or 24 hours across weekends, public holidays and University shutdown, call our Mental Health Support line on 1300 239 002 or text 0485 829 309.
- Please note these are not emergency response services, in an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000), and if on campus, call Deakin Security on 1800 062 279.
- If you’re studying at GIFT City Campus find out about the counselling and support services available to you or if you need immediate help, see emergency and crisis information.
- If you are permanently located overseas, please contact your local health practitioner for further advice and support.