Mindfulness Magic: Top Tips to ease Study Stress

1. Take a break

Making sure you take regular breaks during studying sessions will help to refresh and renew your focus. Why not plan a day of revision in advance and set aside time to rest and switch-off? Aim to work productively for 60-90 minutes at a time before taking a 20-minute break to recharge. You could even buy an egg timer or set an alarm to remind you of when your next stretch of studying is due to begin. Enjoy a slightly longer break for your lunch, drink plenty of water and eat a light, healthy meal to avoid feeling sluggish throughout the afternoon.

2. Meditate

When stress starts to manifest, it’s difficult to channel a different perspective and calm down. Meditating is a fantastic way to clear your head, reduce any negative thinking, increase your focus and improve your wellbeing. If you’ve never meditated before, there are a number of apps to help start you on your journey. Make a plan to relax your body and mind in the lead up to exams: you may find that you’ll want to continue meditating after your finals and well into the future too.

3. Get outside

Clear your mind with a brisk walk in the countryside. Find a peaceful setting nearby where you can trudge through the mud and let the fresh air work its magic to renew your self-motivation. You may even find that being in the great outdoors sparks a new idea or a creative way of thinking that will help you with your studying at a later date.

4. Switch off your tech

Either turn off your phone completely or pause your notifications to avoid unnecessary distractions while you study. Better yet, why not take a social media break and enjoy a few days away from your news feed? As fantastic as digital devices are at keeping you connected, they can be a slippery slope when it comes to comparing yourself to other people. One filtered Instagram photo of a friend’s ‘perfect’ workstation setup might be the trigger that influences you to re-arrange your bedroom rather than revise…

5. Music

Not everyone can study with background noise but for those of you who find comfort in working alongside soothing music, you could create a list of tunes to help engage your brain. From a classical concerto to the sound of crashing waves: music can keep you relaxed and increase your concentration during times of high pressure.

If you’re worried about your mental health as a result of exam stress, it’s important to speak with a friend, family member, lecturer or college counsellor for some added support during what can be an overwhelming, anxious and intense time. The pressure of taking an exam can feel all consuming but it goes without saying that your wellbeing is paramount.