Well-being during exam season: balancing revision and relaxation

I believe it’s safe to assume that everyone’s most dreaded term is term 3. The final one. The one where the endless exam and essay deadlines collide to form an unavoidable headache. Now, what if I told you this headache could indeed be avoided (or at least minimized)? 

While Easter break presents the perfect time to relax and unwind, it equally presents an incredible opportunity to space your revision and writing over multiple days; empowering you to say goodbye to the chaos from excessively packing in revision the night before.

In light of this, this blog will outline tips and tricks to help you find the perfect balance between revision and relaxation to ensure your Easter break is not only one of leisure but also a productive one! As always, please do reach out with questions and comments on the content:

Maximizing your relaxation:

1. Spend time with family and friends – as a third-year student, I can confirm that your university experience really does pass by with a simple blink of the eye. Very fast. So, it is crucial that you spend quality time with your friends and family whenever you can. Not only is this beneficial for your mental wellbeing as it prevents you from feeling isolated and alone, but it also gives you a distraction from the many demands that university brings. Dinners, Brunch, Outings – Fill your days off with fun and exciting activities!
2. Sleep and Eat well – looking back at the many takeout orders I purchased and the very few hours I spent sleeping some nights, I can’t help but feel somewhat ashamed. Thus, I am taking this vacation period to fuel myself with healthy food, long naps, and challenging my body to workout or engage in physical activities when I can (the final one has been a bit of a failure). 
3. Read – I find reading outside of my subject is always a great way to keep my brain thinking and challenged. 

Maximizing your revision: 

1. Plan, plan, plan – Spending a few hours every day or week studying is much better than spending all your time revising days before your exam or assignment is due. Spacing things out will reduce the pressures you feel on a singular day. It will also make you feel more in control of your weeks and plan. 
2. Utilize resources provided by your department – whether it’s exam past papers, extra preparation sessions, or advice and feedback hours, looking for additional resources from your lecturers and tutors can prove extreamly beneficial as they are the ones grading your papers after all. 
3. Engage in a bunch of revision materials: mindmaps, diagrams, tables – I find a range of notes and types of note-taking keeps me continuously engaged in what I am revising as I am not limiting myself to one form of revisional material.  
4. Ask if unsure: People around you are happy to help, especially your teachers so do not hesitate to ask if you need anything!
5. Choose essay and exam topics that inspire you! (no elaboration needed I’m sure) 

Your well-being is extremely important and worth taking care of, so please always ensure you are allowing yourself to find the balance between revising for your exams and enjoying your time off. This balance is critical for all stages of your life, as is reaching out when needed so please also approach your tutors and supervisors for support when needed. 

I wish everyone the best of luck with exams and essays and I hope you all have a lovely easter!