As the weather grows colder and exam season rapidly approaches, making time for yourself can be a challenge. Ensuring that you balance studying and “you time” while also making sure to keep in touch with family and friends can be difficult. Here are my hacks for tackling exam season:
- Make a schedule for your exams
This is an essential step to have a successful exam season and ensure that deadlines don’t sneak up on you. Plan your studying, personal time and time to do fun things for yourself. Try to organize this schedule up to two weeks ahead of your exams to ensure that you have time to study properly without feeling overwhelmed.
- Active recall studying
A very effective method for studying is using active recall. Reading notes is a good way to jog your memory, but in order to train your brain to remember the information, try this method. Take your notes, read them over and then put them away. Then, try to write down everything you remember about the topic. Cue cards are also a very popular method of active recall studying.
- Maintain a social life
Spending time with friends and family is an excellent way to destress and relax during this time. Usually, most of your friends will be going through a similar time with heavy school assignments, work or exams. Personally, my parents are the best people to rant to when I’m stressed. Try to find a person you can talk to about your worries because that can be SUPER helpful. This is also a time to make sure you check in on your friends too. Winter can be hard for everyone!
- Acknowledge your stress
Stress during exam season is totally normal and should be recognized. School is very demanding and is insanely busy at the end of a term. Mental health supports are ALWAYS a good idea if needed.
- YOU TIME
Even though it’s a busy time, you should still make time to prioritize your mental health. Eat some good brain-food and take a break to watch some TV or hang out with friends. My favourite way to unwind is by listening to music or watching Gilmore Girls!
Try not to stress too much and hang in there! Remember, grades aren’t everything and all you can do is prepare yourself by trying your hardest. You will do well! Remember to look forward to winter break – it’ll be here in the blink of an eye!