Written by: Khloe Mace
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
Studying in college is important for your success, but knowing the best way to study can be tricky. Some students try to cram everything at the last minute, while others study so much that they tire themselves out mentally and physically. Figuring out a study approach that takes care of your mental health and well-being is essential for getting through college successfully. There are several ways that you can study while still caring for your mental health.
One method you can try is called the Pomodoro method. It is simple and effective. You study for 25 minutes straight without any interruptions, and then you take a five-minute break, according to a “Let’s Go to College” article. During that break, it is a good idea to drink water and have a snack to keep your body fueled. Taking a walk or stretching can also be a way to reset during the break. According to the article, balancing work and rest helps to give your brain and body the rest they need.
Another helpful tip is to plan ahead. You can do this in different ways, such as making a calendar with all your homework due dates and tests, according to a “DoSomething” article. This will keep you organized so that you can easily see what you need to study and plan for next. You can also take note of big test dates and projects so that you can study in advance instead of cram. Giving yourself enough time to study relieves stress and pressure. According to the article, it also lets you dive deeper into subjects and feel more confident in what you have learned.
Most importantly, know your limits. It is not healthy to push yourself so hard that you feel like you cannot be successful. Consider all your roles, both in school and outside of it. It can be easy to overbook yourself if you are not careful, according to the “Let’s Go to College” article. If you have a job, make sure you have enough time to study. On the other hand, if you study too much, you will burn yourself out and feel overwhelmed. Taking breaks to unplug, exercise and spend time with friends is important for your mental well-being, according to the article.
Being in college and juggling everything can be overwhelming, but there are great study techniques to ease your mind and keep you healthy. Remember, every little achievement is worth celebrating. Be kind to yourself and remember to take time to rest. You are learning and growing, and that is something to be proud of.