Learn more about realising a healthy body, mind and space with our helpful tips.
Mindfulness is about learning to train your attention to the present moment without dwelling on what has happened in the past or worrying about the future.
The basic practice - or ‘meditation’ – can be developed over time with practice and involves intentionally placing your attention on the breath and observing each rise and fall. It is natural that your mind will wander, but part of the practice is being aware of when this happens and being able to gently redirect your mind to the present and back to the breath.
Studying at university is enough to keep anyone busy, which is why it’s so important to make time for your own mental wellbeing.
You may be familiar with procrastination, the definition of which is ‘to put off until tomorrow’. Procrastination is characterised as a breakdown in our ability to regulate and organise ourselves to achieve a certain outcome in a reasonable amount of time. It often occurs when we are feeling negative about an upcoming priority; we might substitute a less important task for the important one. This pattern of delaying and postponing tasks can make us feel more stressed and anxious over time.
It’s important to remember that you have control over what you think, although it may not always seem that way. Take time to analyse your thoughts and write them down. It can help you get to the ‘why’ of how you are viewing a situation and help you find a more balanced view.
If you are ever struggling with any aspect of your studies (or life outside of studies), you can always book an appointment with Deakin Support.
Students with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those without the same support network. Make regular plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, like a class, a club or a support group.
Volunteering: Volunteering is a great way to meet people and make friends while contributing to the community. It also allows you to gain valuable work experience skills that will be a huge advantage in the workforce once you graduate. To learn more about volunteering, visit our Studying & Working page.
Clubs & societies: Joining a club is the simplest way to meet like-minded peers - and Deakin University has over 120 clubs and societies to choose from! Membership is open to all Deakin College students. Explore some of them here .
Ultimately, we are social beings who naturally seek connection with others. Taking steps to create and maintain relationships in your life is essential. The friends and family we rely on are those who we celebrate with in the good times, and who we turn to in times of need.
There’s no escaping stress - it’s part of everyday life. When you are a student, this may include academic performance, being away from home, sitting exams, financial pressures, and more.
Finding ways to deal with stress will help you find more enjoyment in your life. Here are some practical tips: