Maintaining a healthy study-rest balance is crucial for exchange students, who may be facing new challenges such as adjusting to a different culture, language, and academic system. Here are some tips for achieving a balance:
- Set clear goals for your exchange program: before you leave, think about what you want to accomplish during your exchange. This will help you prioritize your time and manage your workload.
- Establish a routine: a regular routine can help you stay organized and manage your time effectively. Try to set aside specific times for studying, resting, and exploring your host city.
- Motivation: . If you have a long list of tasks due tomorrow, take the easiest one and do it. A sense of accomplishment works as a great motivation boost. After you get your most undesirable task off the list, everything else will seem easier, and even the task you did will not seem as scary after it is done.
If you have a big paper to write or need to devote many hours for studying, it might be scary to even start. One exercise can ease a situation: give yourself only 15 minutes to do it (for example, 15 minutes for reading your notes or a book, 15 minutes to spend on solving math problems). Working for only 15 minutes does not seem to be that scary, therefore will be easier to bring oneself to start studying. During these 15 minutes of “warming up” a person usually grows some curiosity and interest that help continue studying.
- Take breaks: don’t try to do everything at once! Taking breaks helps you recharge and come back to your studies with fresh energy.
- Practice self-care: being abroad can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or homesick.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself: It’s normal to feel stressed or homesick during your exchange. Remember that you’re in a new place and it’s okay to make mistakes. Be kind to yourself and seek support if you need it.
- Reward: think about something nice that you can reward yourself with after completing the task. It can be a tasty muffin, going out for a walk while the sun is shining, a phone call with your cousin or literally anything thet brings you joy. Allow yourself to feel the pleasure after you complete a difficult task, and next time your brain will remember that it is worth it.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy study-rest balance and make the most of your exchange program.
