Navigating exam periods can often feel like a minefield of stress and pressure for countless students. The weight of expectations from friends, family, university, and even ourselves can leave us feeling on edge and overwhelmed. However, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of managing this stress to safeguard our mental well-being while striving for academic success. Here are some invaluable tips to help you effectively manage stress during the exam period.

Find a conducive environment where you can focus without distractions

Many people find that certain environments are more conducive to concentration than others. Sometimes, you may need a change of scenery to feel less confined and more focused. It’s important to find a suitable place to study where you can maintain your concentration. This could be in your room, by booking a study room on campus or utilising university-provided spaces such as libraries and the Hive or outdoor areas like the University Green. Alternatively, studying in a café may help improve your focus. Choose the environment that works best for you and enhances your ability to study effectively.

Divide your study sessions into smaller, more manageable tasks to prevent getting overwhelmed

At the end of the semester, looking at the number of materials that require learning can seem overwhelming, regardless of the preparation we’ve undertaken beforehand. Hence, it’s important to devise a strategy to make the task more manageable and look less threatening. Personally, I find breaking the workload into smaller, bite-sized tasks and setting learning milestones. This not only helps reduce stress but also makes the entire learning process feel more attainable.

Seek support from your peers! Sharing insights, swapping notes, and encouragement to navigate the challenges together can make the experience less distressing

Feeling anxious upon learning that your friends have made significant progress in their revisions is normal. While it may not suit everyone, I personally find revising with friends occasionally to be beneficial in staying aligned with my own goals. Additionally, revising together allows for benchmarking against their progress and integrating useful insights into my own materials. Moreover, the camaraderie fostered during these study sessions, whether through light-hearted banter or sharing snacks, can be uplifting and motivating.

Take a step back from your book or laptop. Taking a small break periodically to decompress and alleviate stress is important

Sometimes, taking a small break is all it takes to reduce the impending stress. Investing a few hours daily in activities like hitting the gym, taking a brisk hike, strolling through the park, baking a cake or indulging in sweet desserts can work wonders for your mood. Remember, these breaks are unlikely to have a significant impact on your exam results and they can significantly improve your overall well-being as you will feel fresher and mentally sharper.

During exam revision periods, it’s natural to feel stressed and anxious. However, it’s important to remind yourself that the world won’t come crashing down if you don’t achieve your target mark. If the pressure becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek help. Whether it’s talking to your parents, family members, friends, academic advisor, or university support team, remember that assistance is always available. Be kind to yourself and reach out for the support you need.

I wish you all the best of luck in your exams. You are doing amazing.

Written by Sarah, current MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at AMBS

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