5 Tips for Managing Your Marking Marathon

Marking fatigue? Long hours glued to the desk? Daunting workload? I’ve been there and I feel your pain. A high work volume and no breaks can seriously affect your productivity and your mental wellbeing. But fear not, here are some suggestions for how to make marking a bit more bearable and keep a positive state of mind (plus some cool events that might just do the trick)…

Be social

Marking can be an isolating experience… only if you let it! Whether you could use some tips and tricks or just want to commiserate with others that understand your plight make some time to be social. Or, if everyone you know is lucky enough to have finished their marking you could always make some new friends and munch on a few biscuits at the Marking Marathon events. Join Research Refresh every Thursday from 10:30am-12pm for nibbles and a chat or come along for the Tips, Trick, Lunch session to steal some marking advice (I won’t tell).

Get creative

Let’s face it, marking just isn’t the most creative of endeavours. Whether you’re a regular Picasso or more of an art spectator, boosting your creativity can help reduce stress, improve productivity and enhance your wellbeing. There’s so much to pick from: colouring books, learning an instrument or maybe getting your creative juices flowing with some awesome cake decorating. And if you’re stuck for ideas you could always get inspired on a visit to the Mead Art Gallery on campus – it’s a real treat!

Get a move on

Morning gym session, marking, evening run, some more marking before bed … nobody has time for that! Studies show that even a 10-15 minute exercise session a day can greatly improve your physical fitness and the best thing is you don’t even need to leave your desk. Let Warwick pop-up sport initiate you in the art of Deskercise on the 15^th of June. There may even be some breakfast coming your way, but shhh… you didn’t hear that from me.

Hold your pace

Remember to make time for yourself, reflect on what is making you stressed out and try to detach yourself from the sources of stress. Sometimes a quick yoga session, a nice bath or some therapeutic baking can do the trick. And if that doesn’t work, why not come to the Arts Centre’s Lunchtime Concert on Thursday 15 June and be soothed by the tickling of piano ivories.

Indulge

I always found that a little chocolate goes a long way in lifting up my spirits when I am swamped with work. Having a sweet treat or a savoury snack, if you’re so inclined, can give you an energy boost and help you cross that pesky marking finish line. For all the nibble fans out there, look no further than Warwick University campus. With so many events offering free biscuits, coffee or even breakfast your sugar cravings are destined to be satisfied. Join us for our Marking Marathon events – come for the refreshments, stay for the fun!

 

Text credits: Catalina Carpan

I am a PhD candidate in Political Theory researching policies that are insensitive to the reactions of vulnerable members of society with focus on Muslim minorities. For the last two years I have also been teaching the five seminar groups of Justice, Citizenship and Democracy in PAIS. My areas of interest are multiculturalism, the politics of identity and childrearing rights.