4 tips that take the stress out of exam season

We all know how stressful exam season can be. We have so much to think about and do that we often make ourselves way more stressed out than we need to be. But not to worry, there are a couple of things everybody can do to reduce this stress.

1. Make a timetable

Possibly the most important thing is to create a revision timetable. Look at the subjects you have and what specifically you need to do to study and revise them. When you have a better idea of everything you have to do, create a timetable for them. Make sure you don’t overpack your schedule and if you need to, plan specific times each day for breaks to relax.

2. Look after your diet

Another thing a lot of people neglect during exam season is having a good diet. It’s easy to grab something on the go or reach for comfort foods and snacks, but that’s only going to have a negative effect in the long-run. The most important base for the day is a well-balanced breakfast. It gives you enough energy for the day, so you can study with a clear mind.

In general, having good food when you are stressed can help relieve some of that tension because it’s easier to relax when you fuel your body with the right things. You should also make sure you take the proper time to sit down and eat your meals instead of eating in a hurry. Having time to relax for a mealtime will always make you feel better and there’s no need to rush if you time it right.

3. Prioritize sleep

Another major factor for stress is your sleep schedule. Building a fixed and adequate sleep schedule for yourself is important any time, but especially with you’re dealing with the demands of exams. According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need between 8-10 hours of sleep each night to feel healthiest. While that won’t always be possible every night, it’s a good goal to try to get this much sleep.

It is important for the body and brain to relax and recover from a long day of studying. When you neglect your sleep you will find studying the next day a lot harder as your brain will still be exhausted and can’t process information as well as it normally would. So strive for at least eight hours a night.

4. Get outside

It’s tempting to stay cooped up inside, pouring over books and notes from class but you should also remember to get outside. Don’t forget to incorporate outside activities into your day. If you have any sports you enjoy, make time to do them or go out for a run. Even if you’re not so sporty, just going outside for a half an hour walk or heading to a nearby park will help. Studying all the time you use your brain a lot so make sure you also do some physical activities to balance out sitting in front of a desk all day.

Overall, the most important thing is to schedule your time to make sure you know what exactly you have to do and when. After that, plenty of sleep, physical activity time, and a good diet will make all the difference.