The School of Health & Social Care

Occupational Therapy: Advice for Bournemouth University Students on managing stress and staying healthy

As a student you will be no doubt be used to late nights, from both studying and partying. Are you allowing adequate time for restoration. Did you know that a lack of sleep can seriously affect your concentration?

Take time to complete the Balance of Occupations chart available on the stall or download it here (PDF 116 kb).

Why not attend the restoration session on Thursday 6th. Download poster (PDF 507 kb) for more details.

Productivity

You can’t avoid studying but you can work on making studying more pleasurable.
Study with others; concepts that appear difficult when on your own become easier to learn with others. You can quiz and challenge each other.
Listening to music whilst studying has been shown to stimulate memory. The link between rhythm and memory should be known to you through the use of rhymes for the colours of the rainbow etc. Why not make up your own songs/rhymes to remember key facts.
Make sure you take regular breaks; actually set your mobile phone to remind you.
Change your location; for example is it possible to study outside.
Look at the setup of your study environment. Is your computer and chair set at the right height? Neck and back pain will affect your concentration and make you less productive.
Plan your study. Take time each day to update your do-to list. Break down larger activities into smaller steps. Do one non-urgent thing each day, preventing them from becoming urgent. Prioritise.
When searching literature make a list of questions you want to be able to answer, this should make your search more focussed.
Don’t forget about housework - never underestimate the benefit of having clean clothes when you get up and clean dishes when you want to eat.
Remind yourself of your overall goal – make a motivation list to stick on the wall for when times get tough.
Don’t forget to look after your health and eat appropriately.
If you are struggling ask for help from fellow students, your personal tutor or the various support structures within the university (see links below).

Pleasure

Do get involved with the rest of university life. University is about developing as an individual as well as learning.
Go on social outings or join one of the various clubs.
Exercise has been proven to increase pleasure. If the gym isn’t for you why not try something different such as rock climbing!
Watch a funny film – laughter really is good for you.
Do everything with a smile (it uses less muscles than frowning!).
Make sure you keep up that hobby you love (music, craft, reading etc). Doing something you enjoy or having it as a reward for doing something productive will increase your motivation.
Cook your favourite meal with/for friends.
Get dressed up – there are plenty of fancy dress opportunities. If there aren’t any then just spend some time getting ready before a night out – it will make it more of an event.
Make sure that each day you do something that stimulates all of your senses, touch, smell, sound, sight and taste.

Restoration

Sleep
Eat and drink enough and healthily
Have some ‘me’ time – take time to reflect on what has been going on and what is important to you. This may mean you have to learn to say no.
Keep in contact with friends and family – a good chat can do wonders.
Do some quiet focus activities, e.g. crafts, writing, reading.
Make sure you leave adequate time for self-care – why not have a relaxing aromatherapy bath once a week.
Spend time with nature – organise a trip to one of the many local natural attractions or volunteer for one of the clean up events, helping to make the environment a nicer one in which to live.
Practice mindfulness meditation (more on this in Thursday’s session)

Support Structures