How to cope when you’re overwhelmed with study

Even the most organised of people can feel overwhelmed by their to-do list, but by simply adopting smarter, more efficient ways to study, it can make your workload that much easier to handle. Here’s how to avoid letting study get the best of you.

1. Have a game plan

Look at your course outlines at the beginning of each semester and note down all important deadline dates. Block out times in your diary when you will need to read course notes, do research for assignments, or study for exams. Having it all written down means you’re not leaving things to the last minute.

How to cope when you’re overwhelmed with study

2. Do a little everyday

Set aside 30 minutes each day to do some study (even if you don’t feel like it at first). You’ll be surprised at how much you’ve accomplished at the end of the week by simply doing a little every day.

3. Break tasks up into small pieces

Studying for a big exam can seem daunting all in one go but not if you break it up into manageable pieces. Focus on one particular topic area at a time by re-reading course notes and writing study summaries for each. At the end you’ll have a thorough summary of the subject which you can use to do your final revisions.

4. Reward yourself

A bit of self-bribery never hurt anyone! Give yourself some little rewards along the way as well as something big to look forward after completing a major task. It’s a sure-fire way to avoid procrastination – and work piling up.

5. Ask for help

If you need some uninterrupted study time, ask a friend or relative to babysit the kids. If you’re having trouble grasping some subject concepts, ask your tutor for some one-on-one assistance. It’s also important to note that most study institutions have specialist staff dedicated to student welfare. They will be able to help with things such as time management and course schedules.

Want to know more about how to balance study with work? Check out SEEK Learning’s tips for achieving better work-life balance, or see these 7 tips to help you study.

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