Exam season is upon us, and the struggle is real. It's the time of year when it's easy to feel overwhelmed with long study hours, and looming deadlines. Maintaining a structured approach to revision while prioritising your mental and physical health is essential. This guide provides different wellbeing and study strategies to support you.
Effective Study Strategies
Adopting different evidence based study methods until you find the right one for you can enhance learning. Not sure where to start? Have a go at some of these techniques:
Active Recall & Practice Testing Rather than passive rereading, actively test your knowledge using flashcards, summarisation techniques, and practising past exam questions. Research indicates that active recall is one of the most effective revision methods.
Be Organised With Your Time and Space
Creating a realistic revision schedule with allocated breaks prevents last-minute cramming and promotes consistent learning. Think about what study space works best for you.
For example, background noise preferences vary among individuals. Experiment with different auditory environments such as classical music, white noise, or complete silence to determine the most effective setting for focus. Even the environment you study in can have an effect, you might enjoy studying in the comfort of your own room or studio apartment. Or you might find that a library can offer a quiet, resource-rich environment that's ideal for focused study, whereas a cafe is a popular option for those who enjoy a setting with ambient noise without being too distracting. Experiment with what works best for you.
Minimising Distractions Digital distractions can hinder productivity. Consider using your phone's ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode or experiment with different productivity apps to maintain focus during study sessions. Wellbeing Strategies for Exam Season
Most importantly, maintaining good mental and physical health is fundamental to academic success. Try implementing the following wellbeing strategies to sustain focus and reduce stress:
Scheduled Breaks
It might feel counterproductive to take a break when you're stuck in the middle of a study session but regular breaks have been shown to enhance cognitive function and prevent burnout. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break) has been shown to improve concentration.
Sufficient Sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation and boosts your ability to concentrate. Try to aim for a minimum of seven hours per night to support information retention and overall performance.
Nutritional Considerations
A balanced diet rich in brain boosting foods such as nuts, blueberries and even dark chocolate can enhance cognitive performance. Try to avoid excessive consumption of processed foods and high-sugar snacks, which can feel good in the moment but can then lead to energy fluctuations.
Physical Activity Engaging in regular exercise, such as walking or gym workouts, has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved concentration. Even short physical activity breaks can positively impact academic performance.
Your exam season requires a balanced approach that integrates structured study methods with self-care. By implementing these strategies, you can hopefully improve your productivity, reduce stress, and enhance your overall academic performance.
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