With exam season just around the corner (sigh), it’s time to get down to work. However, along with the immense pressure to do well, so comes the one word we can all relate to: stress. Although stress has a negative connotation, the right amount can sometimes be beneficial. Here are some tips on how to stay healthy (both physically and mentally) all while managing your time.
1. Find Your Best Study Strategy
Personally, I feel more calm knowing that I have a routine that has proven to be effective. It makes me enjoy what I’m learning just a little bit more and prevents the chances of cramming last minute. I tend to use cue cards, memorizing and understanding as I go along instead of waiting until the end to test myself.
2. Get Enough Sleep
I know, I know, we’ve all heard this one before, but it is so important that I can’t not talk about it. Studies have shown that if you are given the chance to pull an all-nighter or sleep for a couple of hours, sleep will actually help you perform better. Your mind and body need a break from the constant work; a time where it can soak in all the knowledge, even if shorter than normal.
3. Eat Healthy
During times of extreme stress, some people (like myself) tend to eat a lot of junk food – a term called “stress eating”. For obvious reasons, this is not the best route as you need to be physically in the best shape as it correlates with your mental wellbeing. Try stocking up on snacks that are even the slightest bit healthy. Want a sugary drink? Opt for a juice that’s not from concentrate rather than your much-loved pop – or even better, fill up your water bottle! Craving something sweet? Get your hands on some of your favourite fruits over the closest chocolate bar. Trust me, it’ll help you stay focused and on top of things when you need it the most.
4. Take a Breather
It’s completely understandable if you need to take a break, or two, or three. Go for a walk, eat a meal with some friends, go ahead and watch that one episode on Netflix – but just one. It’s not necessary to isolate yourself, studying isn’t a punishment (although it may sometimes feel like it).
5. Once It’s Done, It’s Done
Until you know, next term. But besides that, after you’ve written that final exam there’s no going back. There’s no need to constantly worry about how you did, or what others wrote, if you made the right decision by circling in B instead of E. So just put it at the back of your mind and move forward, knowing that you tried your best and honestly that’s all that matters.
PS. look on the bright side, you’re one step closer to your winter break!
So with all that said, good luck on your final exams Warriors!