We all may sometimes feel like we are not enough, that we don't know how to go on. Study assignments pile up, and we have so much work to do that we don't know where to start. Tiny things can grow into huge problems. Sometimes it feels like you just can't go over the mountain, and it doesn't even cross your mind to go around it. In those times it is worth while to stop for a moment. Prepare a time and space, where you are not interrupted. Sit down and take a pen and a paper. Then, step by step, divide the assignments into pieces, taking one part at a time.
Sometimes small things lead to major changes. Finding a routine, and scheduling tasks might be the key to enhance your situation. Trying out new techniques can help you to achieve your goals. For example, you could try the Pomodoro Technique. It helps you to concentrate one moment at a time, and soon you'll find your assignments are completed. There are many more methods and techniques like this available.
What if you feel your knowledge and skills aren't enough?
There are times when our own skills and knowledge are insufficient. In these cases you should bravely contact your university's well-being personnel. Their contact information is available, for example, on your university's websites, intranet or in a handbook. Universities of applied sciences have several staff members whose job is to help you with your studies: study counselors, special needs teachers, psychologists and other health care personnel.
Support
You can find a lot of useful information and support on the internet.
For supporting mental well-being you can utilize the websites of Nyyti ry (Mental Well being for students) and Mentalhub.fi. Nyyti ry promotes mental health of students by providing versatile information and activities about mental well-being. They also help you to cope with everyday life during your studies. Mentalhub is an open service that provides guidebooks, self-care programmes and links to services and information.
You can pick up tips for learning and study skills, for example, in the articles "How to Study" or "Learning disabilities". Vamlas Foundation promotes diversity and inclusion of young people with disabilities in schools, studies, hobbies and working life. In addition, there are several other networks and service providers that can help and support you in your path.
Practicing is allowed and development continues throughout life
Remember that you and your skills and competences are developing throughout your studies. You don't have to be perfect, and as a matter of fact, you never will be - nobody is perfect. Take these words as encouragement: You'll always have a permission to develop yourself and practice!
A student once told: his house of cards (coping and well-being) collapsed some time ago, but now the house is up again. I wonder if it was a house or perhaps a skyscraper? My feeling is that this student was talking about a skyscraper that reached the sky with high expectations. Sometimes it might sway, but it will last. All the winds eventually calm down. Help and support are available, when you ask for them. It is no use hiding these issues. Instead, it usually helps a great deal to speak out your concerns. Together we can work out the right support for you.
