Tips to Manage Stress During the Exam Period

Article written by Sathyani Kotakadeniya, law and psychology double degree undergraduate from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia (QUT).

When the exam block is looming around the corner, it is completely normal to feel a little stressed. Learning how to manage stress is key to success! Functioning on high levels of stress on a regular basis is not only detrimental to your well-being but also your academic performance. So, monitor your mood and performance, and seek professional help if necessary.

Here are a few tips to help manage stress during the exam period:

• Block out your study sessions and try to learn in the here and now. It will save a lot of your time.
• Use the Pomodoro technique to study. This is a really great way to stay laser-focused for a shorter period of time and get more done. Even if you don’t want to use this technique regularly, try it when you find it harder to concentrate. It might help you get into the flow!
• Form a study group with a few friends. While it’s always a good idea to consolidate information on your own, meeting up with a few other law students to discuss tutorial questions or quiz each other on the content learnt is an excellent way to test your knowledge.
• Mentally prepare yourself now for the upcoming exam block! This will help you manage your expectations and set your mind on the priorities first.
• Understand and plan your study approach. Each unit may require a different approach or study structure. Identify this so that you can cut down on spending unnecessary time and energy.
• Don’t distance yourself from everyone during the pointy end of the semester. Look after yourself and reach out for help when needed.
• Get plenty of sleep. Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Cutting down on your sleep for a few hours to be awake most of the day does not always mean you’ll be productive or that you are learning efficiently. This may hamper your ability to stay focused and will pose risks to your health in the long run. So prioritise adequate sleep!
• Eat healthy meals. While the occasional doughnut or a generous slice from a three-tier is fine, try to eat healthy as often as possible. This will boost your energy levels and help you stay focused during the day.
• You are more likely to procrastinate if you find tasks dull and boring. Studying is not a lot of fun. So, it helps to have a reward at the end of the day or as a study break during the day. Having this in your daily routine will incentivise and boost your productivity.

Put things into perspective and remind yourself that the hurdle that is exams will be over soon! You’ve got this!