Nurturing Your Mind & Body

Self Reflection Questions:

When trying to study, do you have any of the following problems?:

• Lack of focus?
• Poor concentration?
• Lack of motivation?

Are any of these problems directly related to:

• Lack of sleep?
• Poor diet/nutrition?
• Lack of exercise?

Issues

Body

Sleep
Without sleep, you feel tired. When you feel tired, it's more difficult to focus and concentration. If you can't concentrate, you can't study well. If you can't study well...Ok, you get the picture!

Sleep and the Functioning Student (52 KB)

Diet
You are what to eat. For a student, healthy food → healthy body → healthy mind. Eating a complete diet including lots of "brain foods" will enhance your physical and cognitive well-being. If you'd like information or advice on your diet, call Dial-a-Dietician at 613-549-1232 Extension 224. It's FREE!

The Health Canada website allows people to create their own Food Guide based on your age and gender. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/myguide-monguide/index_e.html

Exercise

Exercise improves blood circulation and the increased blood flow to the brain improves focus and concentration. As well, when exercising, your body produces endorphins, a ‘feel good' hormone. If you can't get to the gym regularly, don't despair. Try using your 5-10 minutes ‘power break' during study sessions for a brisk walk around the block or go up and down the stairs in the library. Free exercise consultations are also available at Queen's. To make an appointment, email Beth Doxsee at doxsee@queensu.ca (ext. 79071).

 

Mind

Concentration & Focus

For information on improving your concentration, go to our online READING AND NOTE-MAKING Module.

Motivation

Motivate: 1) to cause a person to act in a particular way 2) concerned with movement.
Many of us can feel a lack of persistence, self-discipline, or courage in facing a task. Sometimes we feel the pay-off will be worth the effort, and sometimes we aren't sure. But we can help ourselves act, by considering our own intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.

Manufacturing Motivation (46 KB)

If procrastination is affecting your motivation, find anti-procrastination strategies in our online module MANAGING YOUR TIME AT UNIVERSITY.

 

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