As exam season has just begun, we thought we would not inundate you with revision tips. Instead, we thought that this month the blog would look at how to look after your wellbeing and mental health during this stressful time.
If you are starting to feel the pressure and aren’t sure what to do, don’t panic. There are small sustainable things you can do to make sure that you are fully prepared to handle whatever life throws at you this exam period. We’ve created a list of suggestions that can help you beat the stress.
Exasperated? Feeling over emotional? Signs point to you needing a break. We know you are busy, but spending all day revising (yes we do notice when you spend all day in the library) is not as helpful as you might think. No one can study all day. Your mind will wander and your concentration will decrease. Get up and have a walk. Watch something that takes your mind of things for 30 minutes. If you can, have a break in a different room to the one you are working it. It is much easier to switch off when your work isn’t in front of you.
Three cups of coffee and a Twix is not a nutritional meal. Too much sugar and caffeine can make you feel sluggish. Having a good diet during the exam period can help you concentrate longer and have more energy. High protein foods like bananas and eggs are great for this. On the day of your exam if you are feeling nervous try to have something small for breakfast, it’ll help you not get hungry during the exam.
Feeling restless? Just finished writing a page of notes? Give yourself a two minute dance party. Put on your favourite song and dance like there is no tomorrow. Not only is it ridiculously fun, but also gets the blood pumping which will help you concentrate better. Perhaps you shouldn’t try this one in the library.
Mindful breathing is a quick way to reduce nerves. Inhale through your nose gently for two seconds. Hold your breath in for one second. Breathe out through your mouth slowly for four seconds. Repeat for as long as you need and you should start to feel a bit more relaxed.
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Miss Frude