1. Keep your files organised and easy to access
Have you ever wasted precious study time searching for a document you saved in a rush, thinking you’d remember where you put it?
We’ve all been there.
The new year is a great time to replace bad habits with good ones, so start the year right by setting up a system for organising your course notes, assignments, and other files you use to study.
Start by creating a 2022 folder. You may choose to create a sub-folder for each course you are in, then more sub-folders for each section of the course and each assignment. If you have something else in mind, great, whatever works for you!
Make 2022 the year that you get on top of file naming conventions. Generally, a file name should include a short description of the file, the date it was created, and the version number of the document (i.e., is it the first draft, the second, or the final copy?) For example, I’ll be taking my own advice and saving the first draft of this blog using the following filename:
‘New Year Study Habits_Jan_22_v1’
You’ll be amazed at how much time you can steal back by keeping your files organised!
2. Put new wellbeing strategies in place
At eCampus NZ, we think the ākonga in our learning community must have superpowers. How else could you be juggling study with the other commitments you tell us about, like full- or part-time work, parenting, and caregiving?
Given how busy you are, it’s very important to set up habits that support your mental health and wellbeing.
We have plenty of resources to help you do this on the Wellbeing pages of Tō Tautoko.
Our list of our favourite wellbeing apps includes plenty of online self-help tools to help you set up healthy habits.
Check your community’s social media to see if there are any groups in your area you can join to support your health and wellbeing. Why not start a new hobby, such as walking, swimming, or yoga? Getting active while connecting with your community is a wellbeing win-win!
Looking for simple exercises you can easily do in a study break at home? We love Health Navigator’s core training exercises for people slouched at a desk all day.
Don’t forget that your student advisor can help you put a plan in place to help you manage your wellbeing as you study – just reach out.
3. Set new study goals
One way to strengthen your wairua, or spiritual wellbeing, is to reflect on your purpose and what you hope to achieve in the future.
The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on any study goals you’ve already set and adjust them (considering what worked and what didn’t last year) or create new goals for the coming year.
Visit the My Study Goals page in our Getting Started toolkit for goal-setting activities that will get you motivated to reach new heights this year.
*Do you have other tips and tricks for beginning the year right? Spread the love by sharing them with your facilitator and classmates in the eCampus NZ portal.
Good luck with your learning journey in 2022 and all the new knowledge, skills, and opportunities it will bring!