Tips for maintaining wellness at University

MSc Finance student, Utsav Agarwal, sat down with us to discuss some tips on how he has navigated his way through the challenges that can come while studying for an MSc degree at Warwick Business School.

The university life is exhilarating, yet challenging. The demands can be daunting, however there are ways in which to keep on top of it all. I’ve discovered some successful strategies to overcome difficult moments.  

The first step in handling stress is recognising its causes, and accepting that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. Stress is a natural response to challenges, but too much of it can affect both mental and physical wellbeing.

How to stay on top of your work

Managing stress starts with staying organised. The use of planners or electronic tools like Google Calendar or Microsoft To-Do can help in keeping track of deadlines and breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. The Pomodoro technique, which involves working in short, focused increments, can also be helpful.

Prioritising tasks based on how urgent they are can also help in avoiding last-minute rushes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important. A proper sleep pattern enhances concentration and energy levels, and a healthy diet and water intake keep the mind alert. Even a small walk or some movement can do wonders in de-stressing and uplifting your mood. 

Allowing time to recharge is as important as accomplishing work. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and writing in a journal can clear the mind. Reading, music and sports can also be an excellent way to recharge. It's necessary to move away from too much screen time and not get too involved in social media.

If things become too much, seeking help is essential. Speaking with friends, family, or mentors can be comforting, and there are mental health services and peer support groups on campus for students who require them. Seeking help is never a sign of weakness; it's a means of gaining control of the situation.

Remaining motivated, particularly in challenging circumstances, involves establishing clear goals and celebrating small achievements. Dividing large tasks into smaller ones makes them seem more manageable. A journal of successes can also be an excellent confidence builder.

Is it important to socialise at university?

Being around positive people is another strong motivator, while becoming a member of societies, study groups, or networking meetings provides a supportive environment. Being around people who uplift and inspire you makes a huge difference.

Among the most significant things to keep in mind is that failure is a part of learning. Setbacks occur to everybody, yet they don't characterise your capacities. Rather than allowing them to hold you back, attempt to use them as chances to develop.

A growth mindset, one that welcomes challenges instead of dreading them, can transform obstacles into stepping stones. The secret to resilience is to spotlight what you can control and learn from every encounter.

Stress is unavoidable, yet it is how you handle it that counts. By being organised, looking after your wellbeing, getting support, and motivating yourself, you can maximise your university experience. Progress is more important than perfection, so do things one step at a time. Be positive, be kind to yourself and keep going.