Let us impart one truth to you: No grade or assignment is worth sacrificing your mental health. Ortinel, a Master of Occupational Therapy student, says: \u201cThe brain is an organ. Just like every other organ, if we don’t look after it properly and take good care of it, it will have a lot of adverse effects on our health.\u201d You\u2019ve only got one brain\u2014one mind. It is essential to take care of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But how do you do that at uni, amongst competing deadlines, work, social life and more? Well, it all starts with learning how to manage academic pressure\u2014and prioritising your wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For World Mental Health Day (10 October), let\u2019s talk about some ways you can strike the perfect balance between your studies and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Recognise when you\u2019re overwhelmed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the first steps to managing academic pressure is recognising when it\u2019s starting to build up. Many students push themselves until they burn out, not realising how stressed they are until it\u2019s too late. Pay attention to the signs; for example, you might have trouble sleeping, you\u2019re feeling anxious or irritable, or you\u2019re procrastinating more than usual. These could be signs that you\u2019re overwhelmed and need to take a step back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being aware of your limits and acknowledging when you need a break is essential for maintaining god wellbeing. Don\u2019t wait until you’re feeling completely drained\u2014address the pressure early by managing your workload and incorporating self-care into your routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Practice time management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing your time effectively can make a huge difference in how you handle academic stress. When you\u2019re disorganised, tasks can pile up quickly, making everything seem much worse than it is. Here are some time management tips to help you stay on top of things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Learn to say no<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As much as you might want to be involved in everything, it\u2019s important to recognise your limits. Taking on too much, whether it\u2019s extracurricular activities, social commitments, or additional classes, can add to your stress. It\u2019s okay to say no sometimes! Prioritise your mental health and academic success over trying to do it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By limiting your commitments, you\u2019ll have more time and energy to focus on the things that truly matter, like your studies and wellbeing. Remember, university isn\u2019t just about academics; it\u2019s also about maintaining balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re struggling with knowing how and when to say no, read our handy guide!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Practice self-care regularly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned in an article earlier this week [insert link], self-care isn\u2019t just about pampering yourself. It\u2019s about intentionally doing things that support your physical, emotional and mental health. When you\u2019re feeling the weight of academic pressure, self-care can act as a buffer to prevent burnout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to learn how to create a self-care plan? We\u2019ve got you covered. [insert link]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Reach out for help when you need it<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by academic pressure at times, but you don\u2019t have to deal with it alone. Reach out for support if you\u2019re struggling. Talk to friends or family members, or connect with one of our Student Wellbeing Advisors<\/a>. Sometimes, just talking about what\u2019s stressing you out can help you feel more in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Managing academic pressure is an ongoing process, but it\u2019s possible to handle it while prioritising your mental health. By practicing time management, setting boundaries, taking care of yourself and seeking support when needed, you\u2019ll be better equipped to navigate university without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, your wellbeing always comes first!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to hear more from Ortinel about what he\u2019s learned about wellbeing as a Curtin student? Watch our video below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n