For PSA Itish, it’s all about balance: “You can’t expect yourself to be studying 24/7. I make time for friends, call my family, and go to the gym to reset.” Fellow PSA Geettika agrees. “I set boundaries and switch off at the end of the day – no late-night cramming. Cooking or going for a walk really helps me stop the stress from spiralling.”

SLA Alisa has a simple trick for staying focused: “Each morning, I write down three priorities on paper. Crossing things off is so satisfying – it helps me feel in control.” And when it comes to study breaks, she’s a big fan of walking the Glebe waterfront. “It’s like magic – it just resets my mood.”

Many students also find that small routines make a big difference. “Each morning, I do a quick brain dump,” says Geettika. “I write down everything on my mind, then choose three or four key things to focus on. It helps me feel more in control – and I always include something non-academic, like going for a walk or calling a friend, to keep things balanced.”

Meanwhile, PSA Yee Cheng swears by power naps and cold showers: “When my brain’s overloaded, I nap – it’s like Minecraft: sleep in a bed, wake up to a new day. And morning cold showers are my small act of discipline. They start my day with purpose.”

And remember – productivity isn’t the only goal. “When you rest, your brain consolidates what you’ve learned,” says Itish. “It’s not wasted time – it’s actually helping you do better.” Alisa agrees: “Even power naps count. Rest isn’t a reward for burning out – it’s part of how we show up for ourselves.”