top of page

Exam Season: Looking after your mental health

During exam season, it's important to prioritize your mental wellbeing in order to perform your best. One key way to prioritize your mental wellbeing during exam season is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. It can be tempting to pull all-nighters in order to cram as much information as possible, but this can actually be counterproductive. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function and memory recall, making it harder to perform well on exams.


Here are some ways you can prioritize your mental wellbeing during exam season:


  • Get enough sleep: It's important to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure your brain is well-rested and ready to tackle the day ahead.

  • Take breaks: It's easy to feel like you need to study non-stop during exam season, but taking breaks is crucial for preventing burnout and retaining information. Try taking a 10-15 minute break every hour or so.

  • Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce stress and clear your mind. Even a short walk or some gentle stretching can do wonders for your mental wellbeing.

  • Eat well: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein can help support your brain and keep your energy levels up. Don’t forget to also stay hydrated!

  • Practice mindfulness: Taking a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help reduce stress and improve focus.


If you find yourself struggling with negative thoughts or feelings of overwhelm, try reframing them in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking "I'll never be able to pass this exam," try thinking "I am capable and prepared, and I will do my best." Remember that your mental health is just as important as your academic success. Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.


Looking after your mental health is essential for your overall well-being. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improve relationships, increase productivity and creativity, and enhance your quality of life. Neglecting your mental health can have negative effects on both your physical and mental health, and can lead to serious conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, it is important to prioritize self-care activities that promote mental health such as practicing mindfulness, exercising regularly, and seeking professional help when needed.


Finally, remember to be kind to yourself. It's natural to feel stressed during exam season, but try not to be too hard on yourself if things don't go exactly as planned. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and remember that your mental health and well-being are always worth prioritizing. Give yourself credit for the hard work you are putting in and the progress you have made so far. You’ve got this!


If you do find yourself needing extra support during this time remember to text ‘SHARE’ to 85258 this is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for any of our students within the UK who are struggling to cope. Text ‘SHARE’ to 85258

Commentaires


bottom of page