Mental Health Tips—Studying
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. – Helen Keller
This is the end time of the semester, and it can feel like you have a lot on your plates as you gear up for exams, shift to new material, start new projects, or try to make sure you are keeping on track with all of the work you have been doing. It can also be a really easy time to take it easy, or to forget about the diligence that often is needed with doing our work - it can be so difficult to stay motivated to keep up with homework and studying. It is also really important to remember that this is NORMAL. It can feel like it takes a lot of energy and effort to take care of our responsibilities, especially as it gets colder and dreary and staying cozy in bed seems like the most enjoyable option. As such, here are seven tips to try to keep you on track during this time:
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Get started—sometimes this is the biggest hurdle. Motivation often comes from engaging in the activity, rather than waiting to “feel motivated” to get started.
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Create a check list—start with easier or simpler tasks and work your way up. Remember, there is always something you can succeed at.
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Set aside study time—be intentional with your time by setting boundaries for yourself. Schedule time to study and follow through with it.
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Schedule breaks too—sitting yourself down and doing homework for 3 hours sounds…well, not fun. Take a break, eat a snack, go for a walk. A quick 10-minute break can help look at your studies with a refreshed mind.
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Get enough sleep—by getting a full nights rest, you are more likely to retain more information and perform better on exams. Try going to bed early and waking up early if you feel like you need to cram, rather than going to bed late and waking up tired.
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Teach someone—one of the best forms of learning is teaching. Try to give a “lecture” to your roommate or study buddy, if you feel like you and easily explain the content, you got it! Otherwise, review the things that you felt less confident about.
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Find your best study spot—maybe you need a quite room in the library, or the gentle rumble of voices from the MSC. Pay attention to where you find you are most productive and study there.
UW-Stout Student Counseling Center
410 Bowman Hall (Clocktower Building)
Office: 715-232-2468 Hours: 8AM-4:30PM
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We are currently providing both in person and telehealth services for Stout students. As always, these sessions are confidential and at no additional cost to enrolled students. You can schedule an appointment by calling the above office number, or schedule online at www.uwstout.edu/counseling.
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Check out our Student Counseling Center website, Facebook page (UW-Stout Student Counseling Center), and Instagram (@uwstoutstudentcounselingcenter) for more information on ways to have a great semester.
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Emergency and Crisis Resources: Call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency. Other mental health crisis options that are available 24/7 include:
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Northwest Connections: 1-888-552-6642 (local area, Western WI)
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988
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Crisis Text Line: text hello to 741741
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