Managing stress in exam season


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Carmen photographed at a city viewpoint with a sunset
Carmen

Hi, everyone! I know we are in exam season and this may be stressful for many. In this blog post, I'll share valuable tips that have helped me navigate through exam season and maintain my wellbeing.

Plan and Organise

One of the best practices is to create a schedule and follow it! Break down your subjects and allocate specific time slots for each one. This will not only help you cover all the material but also provide a sense of control over your workload. It is equally important to put in time for breaks and to continue doing activities you love.

If schedules are not for you, try having a to do list based on the contents you need to revise and try to go tick all the items in your list every day. This way, you will work at a steady pace and avoid procrastinating.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation, can significantly reduce stress levels. Taking a few moments each day to centre yourself and be present in the moment can improve your concentration and help alleviate anxiety. There are many videos on YouTube or specific app such as Headspace where you can find different practices.

Prioritise Self-Care

In line with my previous points, you need to dedicate time to yourself to avoid stress. Taking time for you is not something to feel guilty about and neglecting this can be counterproductive. Taking care of your body will increase your focus and overall productivity.

Use Effective Study Techniques

Each person learns best in different ways. Experiment with different study techniques to find what works best for you. It may be the case where you are a great visual learner, in that case, try to create diagrams and mind maps. You may also find it helpful to listen to the information, teach it to a peer or summarise it in your own words. Find the techniques that work for you! If you have trouble focusing while studying you can use some techniques such as the Pomodoro method in which you work for 25 minutes and then rest for 5.

Seek Support

Reach out to teachers, classmates, or friends for support. You can form study groups, share resources with your peers, ask your teachers for a 1-1 session on a specific topic… It is ok to ask for help when you need it.

Exams can be a stressful time, and some practices can help you during this period. While grades are important, your overall wellbeing should be prioritised. So, take care of yourself and wish you all the best in these last few weeks before summer!

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