By: Jill Baldassini
Exam season is right around the corner for most students, and with it comes long hours at the library and some late- night studying. While maintaining good grades is important, so is prioritizing your well-being and mental health. By feeling good physically and emotionally, is a key part of academic success.
Getting Enough Sleep
It is so important to get a full night's rest (~7-9 hours), especially the night before an exam. If you feel too groggy and sluggish, you will most likely won’t remember everything you’ve studied the night before. A well rested brain is much more effective at retaining information and staying focused.
Eating Meals
I know that when trying to cram for a big exam, it can be easy to forget to eat meals and just eat quick snacks to satisfy your hunger. This is definitely a temporary solution; however, eating a balanced meal can be more beneficial. Your brain needs healthy food to function, so make sure you're drinking water and not just drinking energy drinks or coffee. This can lead to becoming tired faster.
Being Active/Taking Breaks
When you study for hours on end it can lead to burnout. So it's important to take some time away from studying to refresh. A good way to do that could be by keeping your body moving like going on a walk, going to the gym, or stretching - to clear the mind. I sometimes like to go with a friend too for a mental reset!
Talking to Friends
This ties with taking breaks, but I find it's important to still connect with friends and family. This helps me get my mind off studying for a little bit and to not feel so isolated. I know when I'm stressed it is nice to check in on a friend to catch up and see how they are doing and can help you recharge.
Overall, when exams come up, make sure to always check in on yourself and do what feels best for you. It's so crucial to give yourself the time and energy to take care of yourself so you can perform at your best in all aspects, not just academically. Lastly, remember that you’ve got this! Don’t forget to give yourself some grace.