It is really important to make sure you are looking after yourself during the exam season. If you don’t take some time to care for yourself and do the things you love, you leave yourself at greater risk of becoming burnt out and exhausted.
It is really important to make sure you are looking after yourself during the exam season. If you don’t take some time to care for yourself and do the things you love, you leave yourself at greater risk of becoming burnt out and exhausted. This is not good for your mental health and can make it much more difficult to complete any examinations or assignments you need to.
When I was up to my neck in my dissertation and all of my final assignments last year, I found it overwhelming. However, here are some of the things I did to make sure I was looking after myself:
- I made sure to plan and structure my free time. For example, I treated the two Warhammer Community sessions each week as non-negotiable free time that could not be altered or moved. This meant that I knew that on Mondays and Fridays from 4.00pm–9.00pm, I would be taking a break and stepping away from my work into a completely different environment.
- Another thing I did was develop a routine. I kept consistent times for sleep, meals, studying, free time, and any self-care activities I needed to do. This routine helped me find a flow more easily when studying, which made my study sessions much more productive.
- My final tip is to make sure you take breaks. Long study sessions can be useful, but it is important to schedule regular breaks and moments to step away. When I used to have long study sessions in the library at Kedleston Road, I loved stepping away occasionally to sit by the pond on campus and watch the ducks and fish.
Those were my tips for de-stressing, and here are some more tips from staff at the Union:
Becca, Advice Manager:
“My favourite way to unwind is getting out on a good walk with friends. I think even 10 minutes outside can be so helpful to de-stress and clear the mind! ”
Kay, Head of Finance:
“I found this App called ‘NHS Active 10’ a few years back when I was a new mum back at work never feeling like I was having any time to myself. This app motivates you to keep track of your at least 10 mins walks every day a reminder of the importance of time to yourself!”
Molly, Marketing Coordinator:
“Make time for the fun things; even if you're busy, set aside some time to do something you enjoy to keep your mind happy!”
Mariam, Student Community Organiser (Academic):
“For me, one of the best ways to de-stress is going for a walk in nature without headphones, just listening to the natural sounds around me. I also find painting or doing other creative activities really relaxing and a great way to unwind.”
Alexa, Democracy and Governance Coordinator:
“I would definitely agree taking a walk and getting some fresh air. Also reading a book is a nice a quiet way to unwind for me, but in general just making some time for myself is another thing, whether that's reading, gardening, or walking, just something that's just for me and not because I need to do it for the kids, or anyone else, just for me.”
Gabby, Information and Advice Assistant & Sales and Marketing Assistant:
“A little different, but for sure playing games with friends online. Something high intensity ideally cause then all my focus goes into the game. That or a more story-focused game to get lost in!”
Shirley, Student Community Organiser (Liberation & Equality):
“My favourite way to destress is to pick up my guitar and play (and sing along) very badly when, no one is around to hear! The stress floats away and I'm left feeling happy and relaxed.”
Josephine, Student Communities Coordinator:
“For me, I love taking my Kindle outside on a sunny day and just getting lost in my book or, if I’m staying in curling up somewhere cosy and just reading for a while. I also love painting, so putting on a good movie or documentary and completely switching my brain off for a bit is my favourite way to unwind.”