Your student’s energy can often dictate their success at school. Projects, homework, and exams require intense focus and high-quality work that might not be achievable without good energy.
Help your student understand how they can manage their energy to work more efficiently with these strategies.
Listen to your body.
Often, your student may neglect what their body tells them. They might ignore exhaustion or stress as they push through work. Managing energy well starts with your student being in tune with their body.
- Meditate. Meditating for a few minutes each day can help your student feel more aligned with their body. Encourage them to incorporate meditation into their daily routine, either at the start of the day or before bed.
- Reflect. Encourage your student to take time to reflect on their emotions. Journaling is one great way to process emotions. If they’re unsure what to write, suggest prompts such as “things I’m grateful for” or “things that give me energy.”
- Respond. As your student becomes more in tune with their body, encourage them to respond to its signals. For example, if they feel tired, they may benefit from a short nap or a refreshing activity.
Understand peak hours.
We all feel more energized during certain parts of the day. For some, it’s early morning. For others, it’s mid-afternoon. Encourage your student to make the most of their peak hours.
- Take notes. If your student doesn’t know what their peak hours are, suggest this strategy: Over the course of a few days, have them note when they feel most alert, focused, and refreshed. The time they consistently put down indicates their peak hours.
- Complete deep work. These are tasks that require sustained focus, like writing a paper or doing research. Encourage your student to do deep work during their peak hours to take advantage of their high energy.
Recharge.
Working non-stop can leave your student feeling drained. Encourage short, intentional breaks to help them reset and return to work refreshed.
- Pomodoro Method. Work for a set amount of time, then take a brief break when the timer goes off. This method helps prevent burnout and improves focus.
- Short walk. Whether it’s a short stroll around campus or stepping outside for a few minutes, a quick walk can help clear your student’s head.
- Stretch. Light movement, like stretching or yoga, can give your student a calming break.
- Get good sleep. Encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep. Most college students need 7–9 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and focused. Gently remind your student to go to bed early.
Optimize your environment.
Your student’s environment can impact their energy levels.
- Reduce distractions. Phones, outside movement, or loud noises make it harder to concentrate, forcing your student to use more energy to stay focused. Encourage them to put away their phone, work away from windows (or adjust blinds), and use classical music or a noise machine to minimize distractions.
- Clean. A cluttered space may reduce focus. Gently remind them to put away unnecessary items on their desk and to tidy the area around them.
- Prepare. Before starting work, encourage your student to gather everything they need. Having materials ready, such as notebooks or chargers, can help them maintain focus and avoid interruptions.
Takeaways.
Energy management may be your student’s new secret to success, helping them work more efficiently and produce higher-quality work.
Try helping your student master energy management by encouraging them to listen to their bodies, complete tasks during peak energy hours, recharge with intentional breaks, and create a focused work environment.