11 Ways To Reduce Stress During Exam Season

1. Scream

What better way to let all your stress out? Find a pillow to scream into and come back feeling better than ever.

2. Make a To-Do list

Making a To-Do list helps you survey and prioritise what you need to revise. Besides, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction you feel when you tick off your To-Do list!

3. Create a timetable

If making a To-Do list doesn’t work for you, try a study timetable. A timetable keeps you organised and on track with your revision plan.

4. Actually start studying

Instead of pacing around endlessly and panicking, go over your notes another time. Do a few more practice questions. Channel your energy spent on worrying into studying. There’s no time to waste!

5. Listen to music when you study

Do you know that listening to classical music arouses your brain to focus? Research has shown that students who listen to classical music perform better on quizzes than students who don’t. Mozart is your best friend during exam season!

6. Use studying techniques

Make mind maps to organise information. Manage your time with the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer and study for 25 minutes, rest for 5 minutes. After 4 rounds, take a longer and more restorative 30-minutes break. Shorter period of study makes the task less daunting, and regular breaks prevent mental exhaustion.

7. Take time off to exercise

Tired from studying? Take a break! But instead of just lying down in bed at home or staring at your tech devices, go out and exercise! Take a stroll in a park, go jogging, play basketball or do any sports you enjoy! Exercise produces endorphins — hormones that make us feel happy.

8. Find a friend to talk to

Feel like you’re the only one feeling this way? Your friends are most likely just as stressed out. Reach out and ask for help: maybe your friend is better in the sciences, and you in the humanities — help each other out! Or you could just worry together with your friend — sometimes simply knowing that someone feels the same way helps.

9. Pool resources with your friends

Form a study group and share your notes with one another. Many hands make light work!

10. Go for consultations

Your teachers are there to help! Most teachers will be more than willing to spare a few minutes and clarify your doubts. If you are afraid of going to consultation alone, go with a friend, or do it via email instead!

11. Sleep

Ever heard of sleeping away your problems? Everything is better after a good night (or day’s) sleep! You’ll wake up feeling less burnt out and more ready to tackle your work for the day. Sometimes all we need is a break :)