When facing challenges with mental health, staying focused on school work can be especially difficult. It may even be the last thing you would even THINK about doing. Even though it seems like such a chore, it is the building blocks to the future you are currently creating.
My Story
During my third semester of university, I had to face a hard struggle in my family. My dad broke his back and became bedbound, unable to physically take care of himself physically. I had to miss many important classes and sacrifice study time to take care of him. It was the week before midterms when he unexpectedly passed away due to a massive stroke. Studying while grieving the loss of my daddy was extremely difficult as one could imagine.
I wouldn’t sleep, eat, I was constantly just in my thoughts wondering about the what if’s and what could’ve beens. I wouldn’t even leave my house as we kept his ashes, so I felt as if i couldn’t leave him behind. I had constant panic attacks and I was just in a very bad mental state.
Dealing with this type of grief while having the lingering thought of midterms in the back of my mind just added on to my stress. I knew that this was an important semester of mine so I had to find ways to keep on pushing through this hard time. After lots of journaling, I was able to gather my thoughts and find my motivation. My WHY.
WHY I am in school to be a nurse. It all led back to my dad. I wanted to be the nurse that he deserved and should’ve had. And having that thought in my mind is what made me regain focus to catch up on my studies and make a come back in my academics.
Strategies
After lots of thinking and researching on how to regain my focus, here are a few tips that I use and recommend for anyone else needing that push to get back into their studies:
- Write down your WHY: Coming to the self realization as to why you are in school to begin with is the most important strategy to regain your focus. Write down your reasoning and post it above your study area so you can see your “Why” everyday to help you keep the motivation alive.
- Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps: Dividing study material into small, manageable portions can make it less overwhelming and more achievable. Instead of reading a whole chapter, start with just one paragraph and go from there. Starting small will eventually lead you to keep going and finish what is started.
- Create a Supportive Study Environment: Minimize distractions and set up a comfortable, well-lit study space. This can help improve concentration and reduce stress.
- Utilize Study Techniques: Consider using study techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused intervals with short breaks in between. A common one is to study for an hour with a 5-10 minute breaks in between.
- Reach Out for Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or school counselors. Talking about your struggles can alleviate some of the burdens and provide valuable perspectives.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that it’s okay to have challenging days. Practice self-care and self-compassion, and be kind to yourself during difficult moments.
Remember, your well-being is a priority. Taking small steps and seeking the support you need can make a significant difference in managing both your mental health and academic responsibilities.
