It’s the time of the year that we all hate – exam season. Whether it’s your first year, or your last, it can still be a struggle to cope with the mounting pressures of revision and exam prep. Here, I review some ways that I have used to cope with exam stress over the years in the hope that it reduces the burden for you.
Mindfulness Meditation
I discovered mindfulness, and the art of meditation about 4 years ago now. And I know it sounds cheesy, but it really has changed my life. Meditation is not necessarily a religious practice, so there’s no need to devote yourself to it – although it can be for those who want it. Taking a few minutes out of my morning, before I get on with that mounting to-do list, enables me to get into the right headspace to tackle the piles of reading, researching and revision. Give it a try – there are some fantastic guided meditations on Youtube, and a few brilliant apps for the full experience, I personally use Calm.
Sleep
This and my diet are usually the first things to go when it comes to exam season. But I have ultimately found this to be detrimental for my overall well-being, and you will too. Don’t shirk the time you need to rest in order to cram all night. It doesn’t work, and you’ll just end up tired and cranky the next day. For those of us who feel guilty when taking time for themselves (shout-out!) consider this as preparation for the exam. You can only perform your best when you feel your best, and plenty of sleep is a part of the vital self-care for this.
Breaks
Following on from my previous point, this is another way that you should be prepping for your exam. Yes, by actually taking a break away from the revision. We can only concentrate for short bursts of time, anywhere between 20-45 minutes is the average for most people. Anything after that and you start running on empty. Taking 5-10 minute breaks, little but often, can really kick start your revision schedule. A good idea is to put aside a book, or maybe plan a route for a little walk so that once the break rolls around you aren’t just lost in the vortex of social media. This is your time to recuperate, so do something that nourishes you.
Revision Schedule
Although I have left this one to last, it is actually one of the ones you should think about first. Making a revision schedule. Here’s the tricky part – actually sticking to it. Usually, I make a ridiculously detailed plan at the beginning of the term – it’s far too elaborate, and I end up failing to stick to it. This is exactly what you should not do. I find it easier now to make an overview of what I need to do for the exam – setting out the tasks and the amount of hours they will take. Then I devote myself to a few hours a day in tackling these tasks – one day at a time. This is the crucial part. Making plans weeks in advance is definitely a good thing, but it also requires the understanding that this is flexible. Something will always crop up, and then you have to adjust. By planning each day at a time, you can save yourself the anxiety of not keeping up to your own personal gold pedestal. Relax – we’re all plodding along down here anyhows.
I hope these tips get you through – remember, there is always a beginning and always an end. Exams are important, but they are also not the entire world. We all get through it, and so will you.
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