4 Powerful Ways to Practise Self-Care as a Busy Student

Studying for a degree while managing life’s other responsibilities is not easy. For many students at Miva Open University, education is just one part of their busy lives. Whether you’re a business owner, housewife, freelancer, 9–5 employee, or a new graduate, you may be juggling work, caring for your family, running a side hustle, or even all three.

When you add coursework, deadlines, and exams into the mix, it’s easy to feel drained, overwhelmed, or demotivated. You may find yourself asking, “How can I keep going without burning out?”

The answer lies in something simple but powerful: practise self-care.

Why Practise Self-Care?

Self-care is not a luxury. It’s a way of nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being—so you can keep showing up, stay focused, and enjoy your learning journey. For flexible learners like those at Miva, who study at their own pace and often from home, self-care creates the balance needed for long-term success.

Ignoring your own needs can lead to stress, fatigue, low motivation, and even poor academic performance. But when you intentionally build self-care into your life, you’ll feel more energised, focused, and emotionally steady, ready to take on your studies and personal goals with confidence.

4 Powerful Ways to Practise Self-Care as a Busy Student

Here are practical self-care strategies tailored to your lifestyle as a Miva Open University student:

1. Prioritise Your Physical Health

A healthy body supports a focused mind. So make time for:

• Sleep: It’s tempting to stay up late catching up on lectures, especially when you’re busy during the day. But poor sleep reduces memory, mood, and learning. Aim for 6–8 hours of sleep per night, and keep a regular sleep schedule.
  
• Nutrition: Energy crashes and poor focus often come from dehydration and poor diet. Eat balanced meals filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay alert and energised. Remember, a healthy body equals a sharp mind.
  
• Exercise: You don’t necessarily need a gym membership. Even a 15-minute walk around your neighbourhood or a few stretches during study breaks can refresh your mood and relieve tension.

Choose activities you enjoy, like walking, dancing, or stretching, to keep your body moving.

• Mindfulness: Pay attention to how your body feels. Don’t ignore signs of tiredness or stress.
  

2. Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Well-being

Being a student involves more than just hitting academic targets. It’s important that you protect your mental space, and you can start with the following actions:

• Do what you love: Set aside time for hobbies, like reading, listening to music, painting, or gardening.
  
• Build strong connections: Studying can feel isolating, especially when you try to do it alone. Stay connected with friends, family, or fellow students. Miva’s vibrant student community is also there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or join group discussions.

In short, talk to friends and family regularly. Social support reduces feelings of isolation.

• Be present: Practise mindfulness to stay grounded and manage overwhelming thoughts.
  
• Set clear boundaries: Your time is precious. Don’t feel guilty about turning down extra tasks or social invites that will drain your energy. Saying “no” protects your time and allows you to say “yes” to your life. You can’t (and you don’t have to) do it all.
  
• Set realistic academic goals: The last point focused on relationships and activities; this is about your studies.

Avoid the pressure of trying to do too much at once. If you’re working full-time or raising children, commit to study targets that suit your schedule.

• Create a Dedicated Study Space: Having a quiet, comfortable space for your learning time improves focus. It could be a corner of your bedroom, kitchen table, or even a co-working space. When your brain links that space to study, your concentration improves.
  
• Practice gratitude: Finished a chapter? Met your study target for the week? Reward yourself. A small treat, a relaxing activity, or even a moment of gratitude can go a long way.
  
• Express yourself: Keep a journal, draw, or talk about your emotions with someone you trust.
  
• Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to speak with a mentor, friend, or mental health professional if you feel like it’s all closing in on you.
  

3. Create a Balanced Lifestyle

Balancing education with life’s demands requires smart planning:

• Digital detox during downtime: After a long day of work and study, scrolling endlessly on social media might seem like a break, but it can drain you even more. Instead, unplug for a while. Read a book, take a nap, or enjoy a moment of silence.
  
• Manage stress: Try meditation, breathing exercises, or simply spending quiet time in nature.
  
• Set priorities: Know what truly matters to you and avoid distractions.
  
• Schedule breaks into your study plan: Just as you set time for lectures and assignments, set time for rest. Take short breaks every hour during study sessions to prevent burnout and refresh your mind. For instance, try the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break.
  

4. Build a Sustainable Self-Care Routine

For a sustainable self-care routine, consistency is key. Start by:

• Creating a schedule: Plan self-care activities into your daily or weekly routine, like walking every evening or calling a friend on Sundays.
  
• Starting small: Choose one or two changes you can stick to. For example, drink an extra glass of water each day.
  
• Being consistent: Make self-care a habit, not just something you do when overwhelmed.
  
• Adjusting when needed: Be flexible. If something isn’t working, try another method that suits your lifestyle.

How You Can Practise Self-Care Every Day

To practise self-care, you don’t have to do something big or expensive. Here’s how you can include it daily:

• In the morning: Stretch for 5 minutes, drink water, and plan your day.
  
• During study time: Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes study, 5 minutes rest) to stay sharp.
  
• After work: Take a short walk or unplug from screens.
  
• At bedtime: Reflect on your day, note what went well, and sleep without guilt.
  

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel Your Best

At Miva Open University, we’ve designed our flexible learning system to support your success. But for it to truly work for you, you must work with yourself too.

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s your foundation. When you take care of your body, mind, and emotions, you’ll be better prepared to reach your academic and personal goals.

Choose one self-care practice from this post and start today. The benefits—better focus, improved mood, and sustained motivation—are worth it.