WELL-BEING
ESSENTIAL SELF CARE FOR EXAM SEASON It’s exam season! Students all over the country are filled with dread. Exams are stressful: trying to balance revision and meet deadlines while attempting to stay positive isn’t easy! It does get tough, so it’s important to make sure you are looking after your physical and mental health during this period. High levels of stress hormones (cortisol) are known to have many adverse effects on your body, including your memory. Everyone has different methods of stress relief that work for them, so here are our top tips for self-care throughout the exam season:
breaks will do more for your productivity than you think!
BE ORGANISED Make a schedule and have a plan so you can manage your time more effectively.
EAT AND SLEEP WELL Make sure you eat healthily and get a good amount of sleep. This is different for everyone, but the general consensus is to aim to get 7 to 9 hours each night. It is important to have a good rest and give your body the fuel it needs so your mind functions well and you physically perform better.
TAKE BREAKS It is important to take breaks so your mind can have a little rest. So, move around and go outside and breathe the air! Or just have a stretch and look at a different view for five minutes. Short, regular
Some people recommend a 25/5 minute work/break system, but others find a 45/15 works best for them. If you often lose track of time while you’re studying or scrolling social media during breaks, try setting timers, or using apps that can temporarily block tempting websites.
REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT If you are struggling or find yourself getting anxious about exams, talk to someone, whether that’s a friend or a professional. Most schools and universities have professional counselling available for free, and if not, your GP is trained to connect you to the help you need. Sometimes it can help just to have a good whinge and a laugh with your
friends about what you’re going through. DON’T PANIC It’s easier said than done, but try to relax and think positively. You are already doing well by revising so keep up the good work! Remember to celebrate little victories, even if it’s just finishing a topic, or taking time to make a healthy snack. There’s more to life than exams, and keeping it all in perspective can help you get the grades you need.
Top Tips: • Try using apps that can temporarily block websites while studying. • Utilise a timed work/break schedule - try 25/5 or 45/15 segments. • Remember to celebrate little victories.
MAY | UNIVERSIT Y & COLLEGE EDITION 19
