As a university student, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of work and deadlines, leaving little time for rest and relaxation. It can be overwhelming to try and balance your coursework, a part-time job, and taking care of yourself. However, it’s essential to prioritise your mental and physical health, as neglecting these aspects of your life can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and decreased productivity. Here are some strategies for balancing work, school, and self-care and managing a busy university schedule.
Prioritise your time: It’s essential to prioritise your time effectively, so you can balance your responsibilities and still take care of yourself. Set aside specific times for coursework, work, and self-care, and make sure to stick to them as much as possible. Use a planner or scheduling app to keep track of your responsibilities and deadlines, so you don’t miss anything important.
Take breaks: Taking breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and stay focused. Take a quick walk, do some stretching, or listen to music to clear your mind and reduce stress. Make sure to take regular breaks during long study sessions and work shifts to avoid burnout and exhaustion.
Practice self-care: Self-care is essential for your mental and physical health, and it should be a priority in your schedule. Make time for activities that you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with friends. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and stay hydrated to maintain your energy and focus.
Seek support: Managing a busy university schedule can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from friends, family, or a counsellor if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Reach out to classmates for help with coursework or form study groups to share the workload.
Stay organised: Staying organised can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce stress. Keep your workspace tidy, use folders and labels to organise your coursework, and set reminders for deadlines and appointments. Use technology to your advantage, such as scheduling apps, note-taking apps, and time-tracking software.
Be flexible: Remember that life is unpredictable, and things don’t always go according to plan. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule when necessary. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a deadline or need to take a break. Prioritising your mental and physical health is more important than adhering to a rigid schedule.
Balancing work, school, and self-care can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to manage your schedule effectively and prioritise your mental and physical health. Remember to prioritise your time, take breaks, practice self-care, seek support, stay organised, and be flexible. By doing so, you’ll be able to manage your busy university schedule and achieve your academic and personal goals.
“Turning words into worlds”
Al. St
If you need support with your mental health and wellbeing support is available. Contact the University Counselling and Wellbeing service counselling@bradford.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1274 235750.
The Counselling and Mental Health Service are located in Student Central, level 01
- 24 hour helpline: 0800 028 3766
Free and confidential service for students operated by Health Assured.
Students at the University of Bradford can now access a range of mental health and other support online. The uobwell app is free to students and hosts an array of support and is aimed at increasing mental health support amongst students.
More information about the app and wellbeing events taking place at University can be found at @UoBWell and uobwell.info.
To find out how you can get involved get in touch by email- uobwell@bradford.ac.uk
