Exam season is here, and it has brought stress with it. Exams can be challenging and maintaining looking after your mental health can seem like an added stress. We have created a list of ways to reduce anxiety and help you do your best.
Planning
Creating a study schedule that allocates time for specific topics or subjects as well as downtime can help you stay on track focus, instead of last-minute cramming.
Break it down
Thinking about exams can be overwhelming, especially if you have more than one, but it can help if you break it down into smaller tasks. This approach can make it seem more manageable and means you can focus on one thing at a time.
Self-care
Practice self-care by looking after your physical and mental health. This can be done through getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding stimulants like caffeine. It is also important to stay hydrated. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical exercise a day, even if it’s just a quick walk or stretches, and make time for things you enjoy to help you relax.
Take breaks
Although it can feel like a waste of time when you could be revising, study breaks are essential. If you take short breaks frequently, it can improve focus and help you retain the information you have learnt. During these breaks you can take time to focus on your breathing, stretch or listen to music.
Stay positive
Staying positive is perhaps the hardest challenge during exam season – it can be difficult to manage negative thoughts. But you can practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, journaling or affirmations to remind yourself that you can do this. Focusing on your progress can also help with the fear of failing.
Active study techniques
Passively reading over information and highlighting revision guides can make you feel stressed and surrounded by study materials. Active study techniques can help you to see your progress and can often be done with friends. You could focus on summarising information, making flashcards or explaining content to others.
Talk about it
The most important advice is to seek support, as exams can make you feel trapped in your house or the library. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, classmates and tutors to share your worries. Talking things through can help to reduce pressure – after all a problem shared is a problem halved.
It is essential to prioritise your well-being throughout exam season. But remember, everyone copes with stress in their own way, so it is important to find what works best for you.