”I have to work on my assignments today, and I have that other deadline as well... Oh no, the professor mentioned the exam date!” Nara zoned out again during the lecture, unable to focus on the details the professor shared. This was a common occurrence for her as an international student, who was in her early stages of studies. She was excited to be in Finland and have a fresh start, learn a lot, and meet new people. However, there were also some overwhelming aspects to the experience.
Studying in a foreign language she was trying to master, adapting to Finnish culture, and learning the local language to connect with others were all energy intensive tasks. The darkness of the winter months, deadlines and exams, along with no family or friends around for a heart-warming chat, added to her stress. Financial worries and the global economic situation only worsen things. She needed to find a job or manage her finances better. All these factors, along with constant social media usage and scrolling, left Nara struggling to concentrate in lectures, at work, and even in conversations. She often felt tired in meetings and had to put in extra effort to stay focused and engaged. As a result, her productivity decreased significantly.
Nara was frustrated until she learned about university services for student well-being, which introduced ways to overcome similar challenges. Counsellors at the university helped her feel heard and supported, and offered her more consulting sessions and self-help programs. She learned that the first step is recognizing the issue, which might result from stress or burnout due to handling many things simultaneously. Nara also tried to get in touch with people around, joined student guilds, and visited a health center to check her vitamin and iron levels, which can cause depression, tiredness, and headache. She also realized the importance of physical activity and made time for walking, cycling, and gym visits, even once in a while. Despite her busy schedule, she needed time for herself. After a while, she felt progress in all aspects of her life as a result of these steps.
If you relate to Nara’s story, know you are not alone. Many students deal with frequent distractions and mental fatigue, which often stem from stress, lack of sleep, and a heavy workload. Remember, it is critical to take time, seek help, and discuss the issue with others. Ultimately, success and a healthy lifestyle depend on prioritizing yourself and taking the time for self-care.
About the author: Nara’s story is inspired by the writer's own experiences along with the perspectives of other students. Her name is Fatemeh Yahyaeian Balouchi, and she said goodbye to her friends and family in Iran in August 2023 to start her master's studies in fiber and polymer engineering at Aalto University in Finland.