Boost Month is all about helping you practice self-care, take care of your wellbeing and stay motivated.
Starting to (or already) feeling the stress? Losing motivation? Don't stop now!
Try our top 10 tips to finish the semester strong:
- Reflect on progress: Take a moment to look back at how far you've come. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledge the effort you've put into your studies and recognise your growth. Read our article Reflect for your mental health to learn more about self-reflection and gratitude journaling.
- Break down tasks: Sometimes the workload can feel overwhelming. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on completing one thing at a time. Progress, even in small increments, is still progress.
- Stay connected: Reach out to classmates, faculty staff, and friends. Share your experiences, challenges and victories. Connecting with others can provide emotional support and remind you that you're not alone in this journey. Follow UQLife and UQ Union to find out more about upcoming events and opportunities to meet new people.
- Set mini-goals: Create short-term goals for the remaining weeks of the semester. These could be related to assignments, projects, or personal development. Achieving these mini-goals will boost your motivation.
- Visualise success: Imagine yourself acing that exam, submitting a stellar paper or excelling at a presentation. Visualisation can reinforce your determination and help you stay focused on your goals.
- Self-care matters: Prioritise self-care. Get enough rest, eat well, exercise and take breaks. A healthy mind and body are essential for academic success. Check out UQ Sport's Pick up and play schedule to see the fun and free student sport on offer each week during semester, like badminton, lawn games and spike ball.
- Remember your "why": Revisit your reasons for pursuing higher education. Whether it's personal growth, career aspirations, or making your family proud, keep your purpose in mind. It will fuel your motivation.
- Celebrate small wins: Don't wait for major achievements to celebrate. Treat yourself when you complete a challenging assignment, attend a productive study session or conquer a difficult concept.
- Seek support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, seek help. Talk to academic advisors, counsellors or mental health professionals for guidance and strategies to cope with stress.
- Stay positive: Mid-semester blues are common, but a positive mindset can make a difference. Remind yourself that challenges are temporary, and you have the resilience to overcome them. Remember, you're capable, resilient, and deserving of success. Keep pushing forward—you've got this!
Work SMARTer not harder when it comes to your goals
As a university student, setting goals is essential for your academic journey but It's easy to feel overwhelmed by as you reach the end of the end of semester.
Avoid anxiety by using the SMART framework when set your goals and make sure your objectives are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.
Let's break it down:
1. Specific Goals
Be crystal clear about what you want to achieve. Ask yourself:
- What: Define the exact goal.
- When: Set a timeframe.
- Where: Consider the context.
- Why: Understand the purpose.
- How: Plan the steps.
For example:
Improve my research skills by using library resources and taking notes from recommended readings for my course.
2. Measurable Goals
Ensure you can track your progress. Use quantifiable measures:
- Grades: Aim for a specific grade in an exam.
- Metrics: Consider attendance, completion rates, or project milestones.
For example:
Achieve 75% or above in my next essay.
3. Attainable Goals
Be realistic. Assess whether your goal is within your reach:
- Consider your current skill level.
- Evaluate available resources.
- Believe in your ability to achieve it.
Example:
Given my past performance, I believe I can increase my grade by 10% with effort and feedback.
4. Relevant Goals
Ensure your goal aligns with your education and overall aspirations:
- Relate it to your coursework or degree.
- Connect it to your long-term goals.
Example:
Getting a distinction in my assignment contributes to my Psychology degree and graduation.
5. Time-Bound Goals
Set a deadline to stay accountable:
- Be realistic about the timeframe.
- Avoid procrastination.
Example:
My essay is due in 7 weeks.
Remember it's important to have some fun and recharge during these busy study weeks-- don't just limit your rest and relaxation to holidays and breaks!
We’ve packed Boost Month (7 April to 2 May) with activities designed to help you recharge, stay motivated, and take care of your wellbeing. Whether you're looking for a quick break, a fun activity, or expert advice, there's something in the Boost Month program for you!
