When I work with students, one of the most common questions I hear is: "What should I be doing to succeed in this course?"

While the usual advice, study hard, complete assignments, stay engaged, applies, there’s a deeper and more impactful recommendation I offer: maintain balance in your life. Success in learning isn’t just about time spent with books and notes. It's about showing up each day as a healthy version of yourself. That means:

Eating well to fuel your brain
Sleeping well to consolidate memory and focus
Exercising regularly to reduce stress and improve mood

When any of these areas are neglected, we may start to feel tired, out of shape, or overwhelmed. That physical and mental fatigue can lead to poor decisions, like procrastination, skipping lectures, or giving up too soon, each of which takes away at our ability to learn effectively.

Engaging in new physical or creative activities such as a short walk, cooking a healthy meal, or trying a new hobby, can reset your energy and improve your cognitive performance. The path to academic success isn’t just paved with textbooks, it’s built on a foundation of personal wellness.

What helps you stay balanced while learning something new?