The weather has already started getting warmer, and soon, it’ll be time to relax and enjoy the long summer holidays. There’s just one catch – first, it’s exam season for most uni students.
There’s no getting around the fact that exams are pretty stressful. It can be tricky to manage your workload and not neglect yourself in the process. However, taking care of yourself is especially important at this time of year. That’s why we’ve put together some top tips to help you get through this exam season and avoid burnout!
Whether you’re holed up in your bedroom or at the library doing some studying, getting out and about is a must for your mental health. Taking a short walk and getting some fresh air can instantly make you feel better, and you’ll be much more focused on your studies when you return.
Rest is essential if you want your brain to function at its best. Try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep to make sure you can function the next day (especially if you have an important exam).
It might be tempting to stay up late and try to get as much last-minute studying done as possible, but this will probably make you feel worse and impact your performance! Instead, put the books away at a reasonable time and do something relaxing to get you in the right frame of mind for a good night’s sleep.
If revising every day is starting to get to you and you’re feeling a little frazzled, why not take a break and relax with a long bath? You can even splurge a little and get a nice-smelling bath bomb or bubble bath to help yourself unwind.
Taking time out from studying and doing something relaxing is a simple way to reduce anxiety and lower your stress levels.
During exam season, it can feel like you must be revising 24/7, but this really isn’t the case (and it will probably leave you feeling burnt out and exhausted).
Instead, try to devote a little time at the end of each day to doing something you enjoy. This might be reading a book, watching an episode of your favourite show or unwinding with some music—whatever it is, it will give you a much-needed break that can do wonders for your mental health. Plus, it’ll incentivise you to get all your studying done!
When you’re focused on exams and studying, it can be easy to isolate yourself from your friends and family. However, staying connected with people is a great way to keep yourself feeling sane during the hectic exam season.
Try to make time to hang out with your housemates, have a group study session with your course mates, and video call your parents when you can. If you’re starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, talk to your close friends or family members about how you’re feeling – don’t bottle it all up!
If you’re not the biggest fan of sports, exercise might be the last thing on your mind after a long day of studying. However, physical activity is a natural stress reliever, and it can help give you more energy. It can also increase the release of endorphins, helping to improve your mood and promote blood flow to your brain, enhancing cognitive function!
Try to fit at least 30 minutes of physical exercise into your daily routine. It doesn’t need to be a full-on workout at the gym (although it definitely can be). Instead, you can try walking to your nearest shops or taking a stroll in your local park.
Although it might be tempting to keep revising until you’ve covered everything you need to, taking regular breaks can actually help you study more effectively. Breaks help you avoid burnout by allowing your brain to rest and recharge.
One popular strategy is the Pomodoro Technique. This time management method involves studying for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four studying sessions, you take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. Regular breaks increase your productivity and concentration levels, which will help you learn more effectively.
Eating well during the exam season will help improve your mental focus and keep your energy levels up. Although it might be tempting to reach for sweet treats or processed snacks to fuel your study session, try to focus on getting enough fruits and vegetables as well.
Eating healthy, balanced meals will give your body everything it needs to function properly and help you make the most of your revision sessions. If you’re not able to cook every night, why not batch-cook some meals at the start of the week? This is a great way to save yourself time without neglecting your nutrition.
Your spending habits can play a big role in your mental health whilst at university. When focusing on tight deadlines and a jam-packed social life, it can be difficult to manage and account for regular utility payments too.
This is where Split The Bills comes in. We offer a simple, stress-free way for students to deal with shared household bills, where you’ll pay the same amount every month. Knowing what your bills will be, provides peace of mind and allows you to work out your budget for other essential expenses.
Our team will do all the hard work – we’ll find the best deals, set up utility accounts, organise direct debits, and split the bills evenly between all of the housemates. All you have to do is pay one neat monthly bill!
You can choose what you want included in your bills package, including uncapped water and energy, broadband, and even a TV Licence if you need it. Learn more about how we work, or get a monthly price estimate for your shared student house today.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
The move from first to second year at university often comes with a lot of change as most students will have to start paying bills for the first time. In this feature we discuss how you can keep your finances organised and pay bills responsibly.
