Keep Calm and Study On
5 Tips to de-stress during exams…
It is about that time again, school is ending and exams are here. Lately, it seems as if all we think about is balancing school, work and a social life, but in the midst of it all we forget about one thing that should always top that list: our mental health.
There are many healthy ways to help you de-stress your life as exams approach, choose what works best for you, and try incorporating that in your everyday routine.
- Take a nap
It seems almost impossible to get good rest when your professors keep piling assignments and exams on you. Although napping does have a stigma of being lazy, I’d like to think that a quick snooze in the middle of the day never hurt anyone. Not only is it a great way to rest your brain from all the information you have been cramming into it, but getting some rest is important for your body, physically and mentally.
- Exercise
Unless you are a total exercise junkie, this one might not sound so appealing. Although I will say, from personal experience, that exercising is a great way to clear your mind and give you a nice little confidence boost as you go on and face those exams. Go to the gym, go on a jog, do some yoga, even the shortest workout will give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Organize
Planners and to-do lists have taken over my life. Seems I can’t go a day without writing everything I have to do in my planner. If you have a lot going on, writing it down somewhere where you can go back and check it is a great habit to acquire. Staying organized is definitely something that has made my busy weeks flow more smoothly.
- Find at least one good moment in every day
Have you heard of the saying “Was it a bad day or a bad five minutes that you milked all day?” Don’t go about your day milking those bad five minutes that you had. Instead, find a good moment and milk it all day. Stay positive and be grateful for all the amazing things that life has to offer.
- Have some ‘me’ time
Listen to music, go on a walk, read a book (for fun), go to a coffee shop — by yourself. For some, the thought of being alone in a public space makes them want to cringe. For others, it is their favorite thing to do. Spending time with yourself and loving every second of it is a great way to reconnect and recharge. Reflect on your day, set some goals, and make a plan to accomplish them.
Love yourself, be kind to your mind and don’t let these exams get the best of you. A friend once told me, “It is a bad exam, not a bad life,” and she was right. At that moment, I decided that my mental health and well-being will ALWAYS be at the top of my list.
Written by an Empowerteen Creative Writer Student Intern:
Vanesa Montalvo (2017 Linfield College, Senior)
Check out more blog posts, DIY recipes, and quizzes on the BLOG PAGE
Check out video testimonials from teens and tweens in Empowerteen HERE
