For many students, exams are a major source of stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to take a step back and assess the situation. Are your stress levels manageable? Are you able to study effectively despite the stress?
There is no magic answer for when to take a break from studying for exams. However, if you’re feeling like your stress is impacting your ability to focus or study effectively, it may be a good idea to look at these tips:
Take CBD
CBD oil is a popular natural remedy for anxiety and stress, and it’s easily accessible in health shops and pharmacies. It’s derived from the cannabis plant, but it does not contain THC, a psychoactive compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana, so rest assured you won’t be sitting in your exams with bloodshot eyes and withdrawals. Instead, you’ll be calm and collected, which should help you to breeze through those trickier questions. Conveniently, cbd can work for treating insomnia too, so if your exams are keeping you awake at night, it should be able to help.
Create a study schedule and stick to it
One of the best ways to reduce stress during exams is to create a study schedule and stick to it. Having a plan can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed – if you can visually see what you need to do and when you need to do it, you’ll be less likely to have to rush or cram. When creating your schedule, be realistic about how much time you need to study and factor in breaks. If you have family commitments, prioritise them over studying and short slot bursts of revision in between breaks to avoid burning out and overwhelming your brain.
Creating a relaxing study space
Creating a relaxing study space can also help reduce stress levels. Choose a quiet place to study where you feel comfortable and relaxed, but not so relaxed that you end up falling asleep. Make sure your study area is well-lit, clean, and free from distractions and clutter. Listening to calm music can also help you relax and focus while you’re studying for exams. Choose music that is relaxing and free from lyrics to help you focus, and consider putting your phone in another room. If you have phone separation anxiety, put a quick post on your stories to let people know you’re studying. Your friends will know not to message, and you won’t be tempted to keep checking for notifications.
Rest and exercise
It’s important to take care of your body when you’re preparing for exams. Make sure to get plenty of rest and exercise. Exercise can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels, whilst increased oxygen in your blood will help you to feel energised and will help your brain to function properly. Rest also gives your brain a chance to process information, preventing information overload.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs
Caffeine, alcohol, and drugs can make anxiety worse, so it’s important to avoid coffee, energy drinks, alcohol, and any drugs you may take. Additionally, these substances alter your brain state, making you more likely to forget what you’ve revised. The come-down can make you feel awful too, so it’s a particularly bad idea to take any of these things the night before your exam, no matter how good the idea seems.
Seek support
Family and friends can be a great source of support during the exam period. Lean on them for help and encouragement. Friends who are taking the same exam as you can be great to revise with – group revision sessions are often more productive than sitting alone reading the same thing over and over again. Try not to compare your knowledge to theirs, however. You may know things that they don’t and vice versa. If you’re feeling particularly stressed, you may also want to seek professional help from a counsellor or therapist.
Wrapping up
The exam period doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. By following these tips, you can minimise stress and make the process a little easier.
