Hello beautiful people! I apologize for being a bit absent lately. I have been extremely busy being a student. I thought I might share with you all how studying is going for me so far.

As some of you know I am studying a diploma in Nutritional Medicine. I am currently half way through the first semester and have started my first set of exams and assessments for each subject, it’s a bit scary. For the term I’m studying four subjects, which isn’t too bad considering some days I may not be well enough to study. I got a shock when I realised two of the subjects I had to study where “Biochemistry” and “Anatomy & physiology”! Ah science and I do not go well! Of course I had panic attack, but I’m up for the challenge!

Three weeks in and I was struggling to get a routine going. I’m not proud but there were tantrums thrown. My brain was not handling the information overload from biochemistry and anatomy & physiology, who knew you needed to know all of this information. I called my special assistance adviser at the college. I was allocated a go too person for extra support if I need it because of my illness. I told her I was struggling with those subjects. She assured me not to worry, she teaches those subjects herself and the majority of students struggle with these subjects. I felt reassured after our chat.

The past few weeks have been challenging, but it is also challenge for other students as well. Being an online student we have weekly forums, this is how the students and teachers communicate. I have posted on the forums with questions about things I’m not sure about or if I’m not quite understanding parts. Other students have commented explaining they feel the same way, which is good to know that I’m not the only one.

I have now managed to get a bit of a routine going and have come up with some tips that will definitely help anybody else who is studying with an illness.

Work at a desk. My first week of study was on the couch, my back seized up and it was off to the chiropractor to get clicked. A good desk and chair will definitely help.

30 Minute stretch breaks. Every 30 minutes I get up and stretch. I found stretches online that people do when they are sitting at a desk all day. It’s a good idea to get movement and to get out of your chair. It’s also a good break if you have a short attention span.

Routine. Find a routine that works for you.

Ask for help. If you are having trouble understanding something ask someone for help. It can be anyone, a loved one, family member, a friend, your teacher, or a fellow student. They may know your answer or are willing to help you find the answer.

Spread your study out. I was trying to cram my study all in, I struggled to take in all the information and was left feeling exhausted. I quickly realised I have all week to spread it out and do what I can, when I can.

Plan. Plan your study out, mark down all the important dates that you have assignments and exams due. It helps especially if you need time to prepare for them.

You can do it! Yes you can! Keep trying and don’t give into self-doubt.

It is too early to say how I’m going with this term, I will have a good idea once I have completed the mid-term exams and assessments. I sat my first exam over the weekend and passed! WHOOOHOOO! I’m extremely proud of this result. I have found it challenging trying to balance studying as well as my daily routine on top of ME/CFS. This positive result was just what I needed!

Are you thinking about studying? or are currently studying? What are some of your study tips that help you? I would love to hear about them.

Bye for now

Lennae xxx