Semester one always seems to become overloaded with study, events, due dates and general life around this halfway point. You may feel a bit behind, a bit lost and a bit smothered by work.
Nevertheless, it is still so important to look after yourself. Here are some tips that might help you to declutter your mind and boost your productivity!
Get out in nature
Being near an open body of water is scientifically proven to lower feelings of stress and depression. Head to Blackrock for a swim or walk along the Prom and breathe in the sea air to help clear your busy mind.
Walk to the Mutton Island Lighthouse, take a walk or cycle to Dangan and enjoy the views of Menlo Castle and the River Corrib while surrounded by trees. Getting out for a walk-in nature does wonders for your mood and your concentration.
Laugh
Maintaining the ability to laugh when times get stressful is so important. Catch up with a friend who cracks you up, watch something funny or listen to a funny podcast.
‘The Laughs of Your Life’ with Doireann Garrihy is my go-to podcast for a good belly laugh. Doireann invites influential guests to share their memories of laughter and their funniest moments. Another podcast full of humour is ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me’ with Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams. The pair give questionable advice to listeners on dating, embarrassing moments and much more.
Unplug
There truly is always something important to do, an email to reply to, a blackboard notification to read, an assignment to write. But, unplugging from your screens regularly can actually help to boost your concentration and motivation. Indulge in a good book. Make a cup of tea or your favourite meal. Go for a run, do some yoga, draw or write. Do something just for you, something where you can let go and not think about anything else even for a few minutes.
Write it out
Writing up a basic plan for the day can help you to feel more in control of the day ahead and put your mind at ease. If you feel stuck in an anxious thought loop, write down everything that is worrying you and cross out what you can’t control. Then do something from the list that you can control.
Write down things that you are thankful for. If you find this hard to do, think about all the little things that make up your day-to-day life and why they are important to you. Writing out your thoughts can help bring a sense of order and purpose when life and college feels overwhelming.
Taking some time for yourself helps to improve other parts of your life such as study, relationships and mental wellbeing!
