BLOGGING THE VIEW: 7 tips to help you manage stress this exam season

LIVING with stress is a daily occurrence for most of us, but when it comes to high-pressure situations such as preparing for and writing exams, the stress can sometimes feel overwhelming.
It’s important to adopt some useful techniques that help you deal effectively with stress so you can focus on retaining information and excelling in those exams.

1. Mindful breathing
If you’re starting to feel like it’s all too much, or you want to get ahead of the stress, try doing 10 minutes of mindful breathing as a way to reset your mind and bring your attention back to the present. With a few deep breaths and a moment away from the chaos, you can break any negative thought patterns and start to think rationally again.

2. Eat properly
The desire to snack on unhealthy foods during exam time is common, but all it does is make you feel sluggish and unwell. Your body needs the right mix of nutrients and minerals to functional optimally, so rather take a break and eat a healthy meal, and keep healthy snacks on hand – fruit, nuts, biltong – rather than chips and sweets.

3. Get moving
Physical activity will reset your mind and reinvigorate your body, allowing you to better focus on your studies. Don’t think of taking time off to exercise as time away from studying, rather it’s giving you more efficient study time thereafter. Go for a walk, a swim, a run or have a dance party! You’ll feel calm and refreshed after some physical movement.

4. Sleep well
Cramming throughout the night is going to lead to one thing – a tired brain. Your brain needs a break to retain information better, and if you’re pulling all-nighters, you might think you’re getting more study time, but you aren’t. It’s important to prioritise quality study time over quantity, so make sure you get around nine hours of sleep a day. Avoid drinking too much caffeine, particularly in the afternoon and evenings, but keep hydrated with water or a healthy alternative like iced Rooibos tea.

5. Relaxation strategies
Studying isn’t all about studying – you need some time to yourself. A good way to combat stress is to factor some downtime into your study routine (although not too much) so you can manage those anxious feelings. Whether it’s listening to music, doing yoga, watching a show, or even having a nap, this is a great way to unwind and reset. You can also keep things like stress balls or fidget toys on hand if you need to rid yourself of anxiety while studying.

6. Chat to others
Sometimes sharing your concerns can lighten the load, and if your stress is related to not understanding the content you’re studying, you must definitely chat with someone, whether it’s a teacher or a friend. It might be a case of just giving you a new perspective on the topic at hand so you have a better understanding. That alone will dramatically reduce your stress.

7. Set realistic goals
Don’t be your own worst enemy. Set realistic goals that don’t create undue pressure. You have to accept that there are only so many hours in a day and they can’t all be dedicated to studying. Work within your existing parameters and maximise your productivity when you are studying.

Don’t let exam stress get to you! By adopting some coping mechanisms and outlining realistic goals for yourself, you will get through it successfully and anxiety-free.

SOURCES:
www.ucl.ac.uk
www.starlingcs.ca

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