Category: Stress Management & Productivity

How small habits can improve your well-being

Creating a routine doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. In fact, small, simple habits can make a big difference in your daily life as a student. Here are some easy tips to help you build a routine that supports your mental well-being, energy, and productivity:

1. Start and end your day with intention

Set fixed wake-up and bedtime hours. This boosts your sleep quality and gives your day structure.

2. Create a loose daily rhythm

Plan basic things like meals, study sessions, and breaks – not to restrict, but to reduce decision fatigue.

3. Make your bed

It sounds small, but making your bed can give you a quick win and a sense of order in the morning.

4. Include movement

A short walk, stretching, or a workout – even just 10 minutes – can boost your energy and mood.

5. Schedule breaks

Don’t study for hours without stopping. Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break) or simply set regular pauses to rest your mind.

6.  Create a calming evening ritual

Try reading, journaling, or just putting away your phone 30 minutes before bed. This helps you wind down and sleep better.

7. Be flexible – not perfect

Routines should support you, not stress you. If your plan falls apart, adjust without guilt.

Your SLR host Emma 😊

Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-importance-of-keeping-a-routine-during-stressful-times-4802638

Exams coming up and your nerves are already on edge? Totally normal. But the good news is: you don’t have to deal with all that stress alone. Uni Siegen offers some really useful ways to help you calm down and focus.

1. Join a ZSB Workshop
The Zentrale Studienberatung (ZSB) runs helpful workshops on stress management, study techniques, and how to deal with pressure. It’s a good chance to learn helpful tools and to realize you’re not the only one feeling stressed.
👉 Check it out here: uni-siegen.de/zsb/veranstaltungen/workshops.html

2. Drop by the Student Living Room
Need someone to talk to? The Hosts in the Student Living Room are there to listen, support you, and answer your questions, whether it’s about daily struggles, uni stress, your studies or just how to survive the exam phase.

3. Take a break
Studying non-stop sounds productive, but it actually hurts your focus in the long run. Short breaks help your brain absorb information, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. The Selfcare Sessions at the Student Living Room are all about taking care of your mental well-being.

4. Prepare with a plan – not just panic
 A solid prep plan helps you stay calm and focused. Break your material into smaller parts, spread it over several days, and set realistic daily goals. You’ll feel way more in control and less overwhelmed.

5. Learn to handle stress (Yes, you can!)
Stress is normal, but you don’t have to let it take over. Simple strategies like breathing exercises, short walks, or even a change of scenery can make a huge difference. And if you want to learn more: Uni Siegen offers workshops on stress management and how to stay mentally balanced during exams. Definitely worth checking out!
👉 uni-siegen.de/zsb/veranstaltungen/workshops.html

6. Reach out for counseling
The uni’s Psychologische Beratung is free and confidential. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, lack of motivation, or just feeling stuck , talking to someone can really help.

7. Don’t study alone all the time
Group study can ease anxiety and keep you from spiraling over that one topic you don’t get. You can quiz each other, share helpful strategies, and keep each other motivated when focus starts to slip.

8. Move. Breathe. Sleep.
Sounds basic, but it works. A short walk, stretching, or some deep breathing can reset your mind. And please, don’t underestimate the power of actual sleep.

You’re not alone in this.
Use what Uni Siegen offers and be kind to yourself. One exam doesn’t define you. You’ve got this. 🍀

You SLR host Emma 😊

Do you also struggle to stay focused on your studies for long periods of time? Studying for long hours can be exhausting, and distractions often make it hard to stay on track. The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, is a simple yet effective way to improve concentration.

How It Works:

Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task.

Take a 5-minute break to recharge.

Repeat the cycle four times, then take a longer break (15–30 minutes).

This method is effective because it breaks study sessions into manageable intervals, helping to maintain focus while preventing mental fatigue. The short breaks provide a chance to reset, making studying more efficient and less overwhelming. It’s a great way to stay productive without feeling drained. Keep in mind that learning is a personal experience, so if this technique doesn’t work for you, don’t worry we’ll be sharing other tips as well. You can try the technique on this website : https://pomofocus.io

My Source: https://www.todoist.com/de/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique