Features 21
S
M
A
X
E
R
O
F
PREP
How are you maintaining your health and wellbeing in the lead up to exams? This time of the
semester can be made easier and more manageable by employing strategies to keep calm and
deal with the pressure assessment may bring.
SLEEP
When you’re stressed, it can become habit to compromise sleep for study. However, making sure you
are getting enough sleep is important as it contributes positively to your mental health. It also puts
you in a better frame of mind to continue with your revision the next day and can help retain the
information you have been studying! To make sure you are getting enough sleep, create a routine and
study schedule to finish up an hour before bed so you can get your well-deserved zzz’s!
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET
Stress can also be managed through fuelling up with regular unprocessed and nutritious meals, which
can help combat a run-down immune system and keep you energized. If you are unwell, then book an
appointment with a doctor to make sure you are fit to attend exams.
TIME OUT
Constant study is not always beneficial for your body.
To stay healthy and get ready for exams, include regular
breaks of things that you enjoy doing and that help you unwind.
BE PRESENT
When studying, the mind can be known to wander onto things that do not have much to do with
the topic at hand. Meditation can help moderate breathing habits creating a calming effect from the
increased blood flow to the head. This can aid in concentration.
GET MOVING
Exercise can also help to reduce stress. Any physical movement can help you relax as endorphins are
released, which causes a “feel-good” effect. Whether it is a walk or a high intensity gym session, the
same feeling is produced.
CONNECT
Social connections are important to keep up throughout exam periods. Social connections increase
feelings of self-worth and support from others can help maintain and build resilience. However, if the
thought of taking time out of your busy study schedule creates more stress for you, why not form a
study group? In study groups you can multi-task study with keeping up connections, and help each
other learn and retain information through explaining concepts.
All of these strategies can be easily integrated into exam preparations,
all you’ve got to do is take a moment for yourself.
Finally, one last piece of advice to keep your cool this exam period,
put some time aside to spend with your pet!
Visit the
HealthyU
Website