Exam season is no doubt a fundamental time of year for students, however as important as
these exams may be, they should never overwrite ones mental health and wellbeing. But how
does one avoid this during a time where hope can seem so far out of reach?
Firstly it’s important to note that although mental health and wellbeing simultaneously affect
each other, ‘they should be seen to be understood as being distinct.’(HSE.ie). This is a
reassuring factor to remember. As one has the ability to positively frame their mental health
through their own actions, benefitting their overall wellbeing. The HSE’s USI report on
student mental health further demonstrates how mental health is something that is
experienced by everyone and that we must understand its fluidity and ability to change.
However the very thing that may prompt this change may just be the exam season. So what
can be done to nurture ones mental health during this difficult time to make the experience
more bearable ?
Well going back to how wellbeing is something we can essentially control through our
actions is something worth remembering. As our wellbeing concomitantly affects our mental
health. The NHS (NHS.co.uk) lists some steps that they state are factors which will improve
one’s wellbeing and mental health. Some of the steps include connecting with people,
partaking in physical activity and paying attention to the present moment, however let’s delve
into these further.
When talking about connecting with people, it could be anything from simply texting a friend
or family member, to taking oneself to a place in public. The event or doing at hand isn’t the
sole focus, it’s more so the distraction and comfort of being around or talking to others or
those familiar to you. However one doesn’t always have to connect with what is familiar to
them, sometimes just being in the mere presence of others is enough. Whether it be a
facetime with a friend, a lunch with a family member or a trip to a new part of town, it all
provides an essence of escape. This is especially important during exam season. Students
need the break from the books and articles, they need a sense of solace.
In terms of partaking in physical activity, nobody expects anyone to be doing a triathlon
during exam season here. However physical activity can be a stroll through the park, it can be
a sports training session, it can simply be taking 15 minutes to allow your body to stretch.
Physical activity is a release to the body and mind, and it is a promising remedy to stress.
During exam season it is easy to neglect this and to place the entirety of ones focus and
energy in study. This is why it is important students make it an obligation to fit physical
activity into the exam seasons schedule, as otherwise a student will undoubtedly burnout.
Lastly, the idea of paying attention to the present moment relates to the idea of mindfulness.
It is something that during exam season, will ease the anxieties of stress and the worries of
what is to come. Practicing mindfulness and paying attention to the moment is a way one can
centre themselves in the midst of academic chaos. It is definitely an idea often overlooked, however do not let its benefits not go unnoticed! For students who are new to mindfulness, there are
plenty of guides on platforms such as YouTube and Spotify that simply take a couple minutes
to get into the flow of. There is also an app ‘Headspace’ which is a step by step
meditation/mindfulness guide that showcases tools and exercises for everyday use.
Meditation has endless benefits, but during exam season it may be just the thing to provide
that stress release needed.
By implementing the above steps into ones exam season schedule, they are not only taking
care of their wellbeing but they are also giving themselves a better chance of higher exam
performance. However as many of us know, this time of year can have serious impacts on a
student’s mental health regardless of certain practices. So do not shy that further support and
don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you are struggling. ( See below for DCU support systems)
DCU counselling numbers/emails (Free service/9am-5pm)
+353 1 700 5165 – counselling@dcu.ie (Glasnevin Campus)
+353 1 700 9215 – spd.counselling@dcu.ie (St Patrick’s Campus)