Hi, I’m Michelle, and I’m studying Global Health, Social Justice, and Public Policy. I’m in my second year of my part-time master’s and nearing the finish line. With a few coursework deadlines coming up and my dissertation, I know the next few months will be challenging.
And I’m Akshara, a first-year medical student. It’s been a whirlwind of lectures and studying, but I’m loving the challenge. With spring break around the corner, I’m excited to recharge before diving into exam season.
We're reflecting on ways to maintain our wellbeing during this period and sharing our tried and tested tips for staying productive while finding balance.
How to stay productive during the holidays
Michelle: We both find clear, achievable goals helps us stay focused, while maintaining a consistent wake-up time keeps me productive. Creating a to-do list with both academic and personal tasks promotes a balanced routine and ensures well-being isn’t overlooked. Additionally, breaking tasks into smaller steps and changing study environments enhances focus and productivity.
Having a routine doesn’t mean overloading your schedule
Akshara: For me, flexibility is key to balancing work and self-care. I set small, attainable goals each day, mixing study time with spontaneous breaks to recharge. After completing each task, I reward myself with something small, like drinking hot chocolate or a nice walk.
Michelle, on the other hand, prefers to schedule her breaks as strictly as her work, with specific slots for both. "It’s easy to overlook personal time if I don’t plan it in advance," she explains. "By scheduling my breaks, I consistently take time to recharge, whether it's cooking a meal or catching up with loved ones". It also helps to balance busy and slower days to avoid burnout.
Even though our approaches differ, we both agree on one thing: the importance of making time for things we enjoy.
Best ways to take study breaks
Michelle: During exam season, I make a point to spend time outdoors. I love exploring the nearby parks and, when I’m missing my dogs, I visit a great spot in Regent’s Park near St John’s Wood where many people bring their dogs for a walk or go to King’s Dog Day Care in Chelsea, a fun place to visit.
Something else I really enjoy is going to museums and galleries, such as the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the British Museum, which all offer free entry. King’s also hosts wellbeing events, Time-out Tuesdays and Thursdays, meditation sessions, and social activities that you can take advantage of.
Akshara: I prefer creative activities like painting, journaling, or trying new recipes, which are great stress relievers. Movie nights, self-care nights, or catching up with friends helps to break up study sessions and reset.
Ultimately, the key is finding activities that give your mind a break and that relax and re-energise you, making it easier to return to your studies.
Prioritising your mental health and wellbeing
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as staying productive. Make time for activities you enjoy and prioritise self-care, whether through rest, exercise, or a relaxing bedtime routine, to support your wellbeing.
If you're feeling stressed, seek support, whether through university resources or someone you trust.
King’s offers various wellbeing resources, including Faculty Wellbeing Advisors and the Counselling & Mental Health Support Service. These services provide the opportunity to speak with someone who understands exactly what you're going through and has the resources to support you. They can offer guidance on the next steps to take and coach you through the process.
Balancing productivity and self-care during the holidays can be challenging but it’s so important to find a routine that works for you. Wishing everyone a restful spring break and a successful exam season!