Skip to Main Content
Off campus female and male walking on beach

Skills for good health

Mindfulness, meditation and time management are life skills that will set you up for success long after university.

Take care of yourself

Learn more about realising a healthier body and mind, including eating and sleeping habits, with these helpful resources.

Learn more

Mindfulness & meditation

Learning to live in the moment

Mindfulness is about learning to train your attention to the present moment without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

The practice of ‘meditation’ can be developed over time and involves intentionally paying attention to your breathing. Initially, your mind might wander, but you will learn to gently redirect your mind to the present and back to your breathing.

Hold your personal values in mind and consider how they motivate you. We suggest ten minutes a day to start seeing the benefits.

Benefits of mindfulness:

  • Reduce stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms
  • Increase resilience and peace of mind
  • Enhance cognitive performance eg. concentration, memory and processing speed
  • Improve study and work performance
  • Improve relationships and overall wellbeing

Resources:

  • Headspace: Simple and easy-to-learn meditation techniques for a healthier and more balanced life.
  • Smiling mind: Modern meditation via a unique web and app-based program, developed by psychologists and educators.

Time management

Keeping procrastination under control

Studying at university is enough to keep anyone busy, which is why it’s so important to make time for your own mental wellbeing.

You may be familiar with procrastination, the definition of which is ‘to put off until tomorrow’. Procrastination is characterised as a breakdown in our ability to regulate and organise ourselves to achieve a certain outcome in a reasonable amount of time, where we might substitute a less important task for the important one. This pattern of delaying and postponing tasks can make us feel more stressed and anxious over time.

Some time management tips:

  • Stop avoiding the task!
  • Estimate the time the task will take
  • Make to-do lists and schedule time in your calendar
  • Give yourself reminders
  • Prepare your study space and eliminate distractions
  • Determine which times of the day you do your best work
  • Reward yourself for getting the job done
  • Set time for scheduled breaks as well as for work

If you are ever struggling with any aspect of your studies (or life outside of studies), you can always book an appointment with our Academic Support team.

Stay connected

Lean on your support network

Students with strong family or social connections are generally healthier and happier than those without any support network. Make regular plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, like a class, a club or a support group.

Working & volunteering: Volunteering is a great way to meet people and make friends while contributing to the community. It also allows you to gain valuable work experience skills that will be a huge advantage in the workforce once you graduate. To learn more about volunteering or finding a part-time role, visit the Curtin College Careers Centre.

Clubs & events: Joining a club is the simplest way to meet like-minded peers – and Curtin University has many to choose from! Learn more about clubs and events on campus, then get ready to show up and make some new friends.

Ultimately, we are social beings who naturally seek connection with others. Taking steps to create and maintain relationships in your life is essential. The friends and family we rely on are those who we celebrate with in the good times, and who we turn to in times of need.

If you’re ever feeling disconnected, you can always lean on your Curtin College support network. Learn more about our Support services.

Stress management

Find your coping methods and resources

There’s no escaping stress – it’s part of everyday life. When you are a student, this may include academic performance, being away from home, sitting exams, financial pressures, and more.

Finding ways to deal with stress will help you find more enjoyment in your life. Here are some practical tips:

  • Practice rational thinking
  • Develop assertive behaviours – learn to say ‘no’
  • Get a hobby or two
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a balanced diet and avoid excess caffeine or alcohol
  • Learn and practice relaxation techniques, including deep breathing to calm you down
  • Keep a routine! Do the same four things at the same time each morning or each night for a month to build new habits

Resources:

Back to Top