What students often neglect during their studies and how they can fix it

ALL too often, students neglect parts of their daily routine to make way for more study time. Trinity College Foundation Studies students Jenny Wu, Brendy Yuan and Jacky Hwang identify the top four things students neglect during study and offer suggestions on how to amend these problems.

Many students tend to neglect key aspects of everyday routine leading up to exam and assessment time, in favour of having more time to write notes or read text.

It’s arguably the most stressful period of the student life cycle but it is still important students maintain good health and well being by taking care of their mind, body and soul.

Lack of sleep

One of the most common things that students, local and international, tend to do during exam period is stay up late to revise or finish work.

While some may feel that the best time to study or put in extra work is in the evening, the body pays for it the morning after.

Lack of sleep makes you feel exhausted. That is never a good thing, especially if you have an early class the next morning which requires you to focus and listen to your teachers.

Getting into a proper sleeping habit not only fixes your body clock but also gives plenty of time for you to rest and remain focused for your tasks the next day.

Lack of physical movement

A lot of study time is spent staring at screens and sitting in your room. Your eyes and mind might be getting a workout but the rest of your body might feel a little too stiff from sitting down all day.

It’s important that when it comes to managing study time, students should consider including several small breaks in their schedule to help get their circulation going again.

This can be easily achieved by simply stepping outside to breathe in fresh air, taking a walk around the neighbourhood or doing a few stretches in your home.

Lack of proper diet

Students might not always want to cook and that’s perfectly fine if they want to grab a quick bite outside but when you’re neglecting food for study, it’s a problem.

With the overwhelming amount of pressure placed on assessments and exams, students are likely to ignore one or two major meals of the day. Your body needs food to function and if you’re unable to function, you’re unable to study.

Too often students think that cooking or going out to buy food will waste time that could be better spent studying. But without food, you’re likely not going to be able to last in your studies.

Even if students want to grab a quick bite outside, they should avoid eating fast food as it doesn’t have the long-term nutrients necessary to sustain your mind and body for efficient study. If you do have to snack, go for fruit instead!

Lack of social interaction

Studying can be laborious but it doesn’t have to be. Think of ways to fit in time to relax and socialise with your friends. Relieving stress by going out with your friends will certainly help put your mind at ease. Who needs to go stir-crazy in a room all by their lonesome self?

If you’re settling down for a long study session, why not invite your friends over too? Being around familiar faces will help raise your spirits even if you’re still hitting the books – just remember to focus on studying!

Studying in a different environment away from home, like a friend’s home or the library can also increase productivity as you aren’t confined to the same space that will no doubt remind you of all that is bad with exam season.

Do you often find yourself neglecting any of the above? What do you often neglect in your own life in favour of study time? What advice do you have for students who neglect these things? Let us know in the comments below!

This story was produced by Media and Communication students at Trinity College Foundation Studies as part of Meld’s community newsroom collaboration. Education institutions, student clubs/societies and community groups interested in being involved can get in touch us via meld@meldmagazine.com.au.