Page 34 - Regent Digest - Vol 8 Issue 32

MEDICAL CORNER
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TIPS TO HELP YOU COPE WITH EXAM STRESS

A little stress can be a good thing: it can be the Don’t (always) listen to others
motivational push that we need to get things done. As the old saying goes: "comparison is the thief of joy".
While it is helpful to discuss topics with fellow students and
Exam season can bring on levels of stress and burnout often to revise together, try not to compare other peoples'
that can hinder your studies. revision to your own. Chances are you’re doing just fine, and
For some students, exams can be a breeze; revision is listening to other people talk about what they’ve learnt will
second nature to them and they could ace an exam with only stress you out and may make you feel like you aren't
progressing as well as them. Plus, if they themselves are
their eyes closed. But for others, sweaty palms and heart stressed this can rub off on to you and other people’s stress is
palpitations are just a part of the territory, and it seems not what you need right now.
that nothing is more impossible than sitting down and
revising. Here are some handy tips that can help to
dissipate stress and make sure you can get through this Speak to someone
exam season. If the stress gets to a point where it is overwhelming, and is
affecting your day-to-day life, try and speak to someone
Take regular breaks and schedule in fun things to about it. Seek an adult or someone you trust, where you can
look forward to speak about your concerns, and who will be able to offer
more advice on how to manage it. Open up to a family
Even the most intense exam timetables will allow a little member or a friend about the pressure you feel. You’ll be
time for a study break. This can include 20-minute amazed to know that you aren’t alone in feeling like this.
breaks during your revision day, and longer activities
that you can look forward to. Go out for dinner with
family, anything that you like doing in your spare time Drink some herbal tea or a hot chocolate
that will take your mind off exams and that will keep It’s a well-known fact that hot drinks are known to soothe the
you safe during this pandemic. Spending a little time soul (avoid too much caffeine though!).
away from the books will leave you feeling more
refreshed and relaxed the next time you revise.
A cold or warm shower or a bath can help to relieve
Exercise and get outdoors stress.
Get some sleep
One of the most frustrating things about exam season is
that it seems to occur just as the weather brightens up. The virtues of a good night’s sleep during exam season
Use this to your advantage and go out for a walk, or a should not be underestimated and be flexible. While having a
run, or jumping jacks. As well as keeping you healthy, revision time table is one of the best tools in your arsenal for
exercise is known to boost your mood and can help to exam success, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t stick
make you more productive while revising. to it. If you accidentally oversleep, don’t write the day off.
Respect Responsibility Resourcefulness
T H E R E G E N T D I G E S T
VOLUME 8 ISSUE 32