The start of Term 4 can be a pretty tough time of year. It’s a heck of a long time since your last summer holidays, and you’ve still got a whole term to go! Plus, Term 4 is often filled with exams, assessments, and big decisions. There’s a lot to get done in a short amount of time, and if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed then you’re probably not the only one.
But Term 4 won’t last forever. In the blink of an eye you’ll be gleefully skipping out of the school gates, ready for another couple of months of sunshine and not doing a whole lot. And if you look after yourself you’ll be in great shape to enjoy all the fun things that summer will bring.
And if you look after yourself, you’ll be in great shape to enjoy all the fun things that summer will bring!
Here’s our top three tips for staying happy and healthy in Term 4:
Tip 1 – Get enough rest
Without enough sleep, you’ll have a hard time achieving your best. Yes, there’s bound to be the occasional late night, but try to get a good night’s sleep whenever you can. Your internal ‘body clock’ is a powerful thing, and if it gets out of whack you’ll find it harder to concentrate in class, which means you’ll lose more of your own time studying to catch up.
Here’s how I see it – you have to go to class. So you might as well spend your time there being as productive as possible. One hour in class might equate to 4 or more hours of study at home, so if you pay attention and learn the material in class you can relax and enjoy more of your ‘off’ time.
Tip 2 – Eat good food
Our bodies run on fuel, just like a car. If you want a high-performance vehicle, you need premium fuel to keep it running as it should.
That’s not to say you need to eat like a rabbit or fitness blogger. But at this time of year your reserves are already running low, so try to choose the healthy option every once in a while, and reconsider your sugar and caffeine intake. And keep a bottle of water on your desk while you study – it’ll keep you hydrated and you won’t need to get up for a drink all the time.
Tip 3 – Look after your mental health
Term 4 is stressful. So make sure you take time out and keep everything in perspective. Talk with a friend, counsellor or family member if it’s all getting on top of you, and don’t forget to make time for the things you love.
Study is important, but so are your hobbies, extra-curricular activities, and sports, so set time aside each week to do something for yourself that isn’t study related.
Term 4 will fly by, but in the meantime, make sure you look after yourself.
