Top tips for studying at home

City’s resident Nurse Advisor for Student Health, Chris Barnes gives her top five tips for staying mentally well while studying at home.

Chris Barnes, Nurse Advisor for Student Health.

Having 40 plus years’ experience in both the NHS and educational sector, Chris knows a thing or two about student health and drawing on that experience she has outlined how you can get the most from studying at home.

Create a routine

Create a daily routine.

The most important thing is to create a routine and stick to it. Treat the day as if you are still going to lectures or seminars — wake up, shower, have breakfast and get dressed into some outdoor clothes, as that will help you hold on to some sense of normality.

Designate a study area where you will be working from and if possible try not to make it your bed, as this will help you separate work from other parts of your home.

Eat right

Eat a healthy balanced diet.

Make sure you are eating things that will help you focus — so that means fruit and vegetables! Eating healthily will have a positive effect on your mental state and keep your energy levels up. If you want to snack, try some nuts or carrots instead of chocolate or crisps!

Take a break and exercise

Take regular breaks for home exercise.

Make sure to take regular breaks from the computer screen and go for a walk or a run. If you live near an open park then get out there for some fresh air, being mindful of the current two metre social distancing recommendations

Alternatively if you cannot leave the house, then open your windows as wide as possible and do some home exercises. There are some great exercise videos on YouTube and all over social media — including materials from CitySport!

If things feel particularly tough then do some breathing exercises or stretches, as that will take your mind off things.

Keep in touch

Use social media to stay in touch with family and friends.

Make sure you are still speaking to people, over the phone or via video chat. Schedule these chats as part of your routine, whether it is to talk about your coursework or anything else, keep the conversations going and stay in touch with family and friends.

Seek help if you need it

Seek help when you need it. There are support services still available to help you.

Although we cannot be there physically, City students are never alone. If things ever feel too tough then we encourage students to email us at healthservice@city.ac.uk or coun@city.ac.uk and we will do all we can to help.

Other good wellbeing resources can be found on the Mind website.

For more the latest information of support services available at City see the Student Hub.