CREATING BALANCE
It all starts with a good routine!
Thissessionfocusedontheimportance ofmaintainingabalancebetweenstudy, exercise,sleep,work,andsocialising. Studentslearntaboutthebenefitsof regularexercisetooptimisebrain functionandmentalhealthduringthe year
BALANCE
Creatingbalanceisdynamic Itwillchange dependingonprioritiesandwhatishappening inlifeatthetime
Findabalancebetweenstudy,exercise,sleep, work,andsocialisingasthefoundationof healthandcalmduringYear12.
Don’tgiveupsportingactivitiesandexercise, asitisgoodforthebrain Timetablethese activitiesintoaplannerandmaketimefor windingdown
WHYREGULAREXERCISEISIMPORTANT
Weallknowthebenefitofourphysicalhealth.Exercisealsohelpsourbrainstaysharp,improvesourcapacity forlearningandimprovesourabilitytoorganiseourselvesandachieveourgoals
Theimmediatebenefitsincludeimprovedfocusandconcentration,improvedreactiontimesandan immediateelevationofourmood.
Whenweexerciseregularlyoveralongperiod,wechangeourbrains Anarrayofhormonesandproteinsare released ThesehormonesprovideanourishingenvironmentforgrowthofbraincellsANDmakesiteasierfor thebraintogrownewconnectionsbetweencellssonewinformationisrememberedmoreeasily.
Physicalactivityisgoodformentalhealthtoo Endorphinsandserotoninarereleasedwhenweexercise whichimproveourmood,sostudentsarecalmerforwhateverchallengesarethrowntheirway
PLANNING AND PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE
Get organised with timetables to create a good balance. Try putting pen to paper and get out the coloured pencils, rather than using a mobile phone which can trigger distractions.
Timetable for the term (or year)
Display a term planner on the wall or fridge so that it is easily seen by everybody!
Map out key tasks and events for the term, assessment deadlines, exam dates, major projects, and family/social commitments Tick off each task as they are completed to get the immediate sense of achievement
Timetablefortheweek
Makeitrealistic!Maketimefordailyexercise,whichcould bewalkingtoandfromschoolortakingthedogforawalk Regularbedtimeandwakingtime 9-10hourssleepper nightisrecommended.
Includeregularsportingandworkcommitmentsonthis weeklytimetable
Workingnomorethan10hoursperweekisrecommended. Setaregulartimeforrelaxing,unwindingorsocialisingwith friends
Mapoutregularstudyblocks–25-minutestudyblocksand 5min‘brainbreaks’asagreatstartingpoint,aimingfora totalof2-3hourspernight
Daily ‘to do’ list.
Complete the list the night before bed so the next day can begin with purpose and focus
