A Study Guide for the Chronically Ill: 23 Proven Strategies
This article is written by Erika Cruz.
If you are a student struggling with a chronic illness, you should know that you aren’t alone. One study found that more than one half of adults aged 18 to 34 years are living with at least one chronic condition, particularly depression and obesity.
Frankly, it can be tough studying as you grapple any kind of physical, emotional, and cognitive barriers. Yet, with the right strategies and support, you can not only cope but also excel in your academic endeavors.
Yes, let’s look into some of the techniques and approaches that can help you navigate the academic journey, while coping with a chronic disease:
Effective Time and Energy Management
One of the fundamental strategies for excelling in your studies while managing a chronic illness is effective time and energy management. Creating a structured daily routine that accommodates rest, medication, and study time will help you recover or cope while excelling in class.
A key aspect in proper time and energy management is to prioritize tasks and break them down into smaller, manageable segments to avoid overwhelming feelings. You can utilize tools such as planners, calendars, or productivity apps that can help you pace your energy, stay organized and protect your wellbeing.
Tip: Always set realistic goals and celebrate even small achievements.
Find Institutions Offering Flexible Learning Options
Most institutions are now offering flexible learning options that can be particularly beneficial to those recovering from chronic illnesses. The beauty is that you can enroll in online courses, virtual classrooms, and remote learning platforms, that allow you to study from home and often have more flexible study hours.
It also helps if you have the right tools and equipment to make learning easy. For example, you will need a good computer and Internet access to make online learning smooth. You will also need software like Microsoft Office Suite and PDF handling tools to edit, convert, and compress PDF lecture content and other study materials.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to communicate your needs to professors and academic advisors. For example, you might inquire about the possibility of extended deadlines, flexible attendance policies, or access to recorded lectures.
Building a Support Network
You don’t have to face the challenges of chronic illness alone. Building a strong support network is essential for both emotional and practical assistance. Friends, family members, professors, and classmates can all play a role in providing encouragement and understanding.
There are several online communities and forums that are dedicated to students with chronic illnesses. These support networks offer a platform for you to connect with other students and young people who share similar experiences and insights.
Think Self-Care and Mental Health
Coping with a chronic illness involves more than just physical management. It requires attention to mental and emotional well-being as well. You can engage in regular self-care practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise to help reduce stress. If you struggle with brain fog, there are also strategies you can use to improve your focus, like single-tasking, creating a short ritual tot get into a ‘flow’ and training your mental muscles.
Additionally, you can seek support from counseling services specifically tailored to students with chronic illnesses. This will provide a valuable outlet for sharing experiences and coping strategies.
Wrapping up
Studying with a chronic illness undoubtedly presents unique challenges, but it’s a journey that is far from insurmountable. You can excel by finding strategies to balance between your health and studies. Don’t be afraid to seek support from your school and your loved ones as you navigate the journey to your academic dreams!
Learn how you can study smarter, not harder with these 23 tried-and-tested tips, and try these 13 spoonie-proof strategies to improve your attention span if you’re struggling with brain fog.
Author bio: Erika Cruz is a seasoned health tech writer with over five years of experience at Outreach Monks. Erika specializes in crafting informative articles that effectively connect the realms of technology and healthcare. Her work aims to empower readers, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their health while also highlighting the latest advancements in health technology.
