Ah, college—the so-called “best years of your life.” That magical time when you juggle caffeine overdoses, existential crises, and an ever-growing mountain of deadlines, all while convincing yourself that tuition fees were a solid investment.
If you’re not one of those academic prodigies who thrives under exam pressure (congrats to them, truly), then you know the struggle. Exam season arrives like an unwelcome guest who refuses to leave, bringing with it a delightful mix of anxiety, sleepless nights, and the sudden urge to reconsider all your life choices. The pressure to perform is relentless—after all, this isn’t just a test; it’s the test that will determine whether your expensive degree was worth the financial ruin. No pressure, right?
But fear not, because if there’s one thing college teaches you—aside from the ability to write a 3,000-word essay the night before it’s due—it’s resilience. So, take a deep breath, power through, and remember: if all else fails, at least you’ll have some great stories (and possibly mild trauma) to share over cocktails later in life. During exam season, you might find yourself needing ways to let go of the stress and manage yourself so that you can get through the worry and the additional study. Let’s take a look at some strategies that can help:
Think about getting a pet
Have you ever thought about having a support pet with you while you’re dealing with the stress of exam season? The idea of getting a pet might sound about as practical as packing a hairdryer for a backpacking trip, but hear me out—having a dog or a cat around can work wonders for your stress levels. There’s something oddly therapeutic about a furry companion who doesn’t judge your questionable life choices (or your inability to finish that essay on time). Whether it’s the warm weight of a cat sprawled across your lap while you cram for exams or the simple fact that a pet demands attention, they give you an excuse to momentarily step away from the chaos. And if you get one that requires walks? Even better. You’ll be forced outside, breathing actual fresh air instead of the stale coffee fumes of your study den—instant stress relief, whether you like it or not.
Create a Study Schedule (Yes, Really)
If you want to avoid the full meltdown experience, having a study schedule is non-negotiable. Stress thrives in chaos, and poor time management is practically an open invitation for panic. So, take control. Break your workload into bite-sized pieces—because let’s be honest, you’re not about to tackle an entire textbook in one sitting—and set goals that are realistic (as in, don’t pretend you’re about to study for ten hours straight, we both know that’s a lie). A solid plan makes everything feel more manageable, and suddenly, you’re not drowning in deadlines but actually keeping your head above water. Almost like you’ve got this whole ‘adulting’ thing figured out. Almost.
With proper study chunks mapped out, you can also inject some breaks into it so that you feel like you’re on top of things. Let’s be real—burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Pacing yourself, tackling the tough topics first (yes, even that one), and scheduling actual breaks will keep you sane and, more importantly, motivated. Exams are tough, sure, but they’re also the necessary evil that propels you forward. So, instead of spiralling into a caffeine-fuelled panic, remind yourself: you’ve got this.
Practice Being Mindful (Or at Least Try Not to Freak Out)
Exams and anxiety go hand in hand, like overpriced coffee and all-nighters. But here’s a radical thought—what if you didn’t let them? Meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing—these aren’t just buzzwords; they’re your secret weapons. The trick is to stay present, acknowledge the stress, and then tell it (politely, of course) to take a seat. Step back, breathe, and remind yourself that panicking won’t magically make you remember that formula you never actually learned.
Sleep (Yes, Really)
Believe it or not, sleep isn’t optional. Sure, a perfectly colour-coded study plan is nice, but if it doesn’t include sleep, you may as well bin it. You can’t cram effectively on two hours of rest and sheer willpower—trust me, science says so. Sleep-deprived you is not a fun person, so do yourself (and everyone around you) a favour and get some rest. Your brain—and your future exam results—will thank you. Unwinding before bed, letting go of any panic relating to your exams and even setting yourself a sleep routine as an adult is a must. Improving your sleep quality by establishing a proper sleep schedule and waking at the same time makes all the difference to your stress levels. When you sleep, you have the chance to reduce your anxiety and rest your body and brain enough to take on the exams looming ahead of you. By reducing your caffeine before bedtime, letting go of screen time and going to bed at a proper hour, you’re going to be able to rest well!
Don’t forget to move
Exercise is a must, and that’s why we suggested a pet. Forcing yourself out of the house and going for a walk every day is not actually as easy as it looks when you’re concentrating on studying and passing exams. Regular exercise is, however, necessary. You don’t have to engage in long gym sessions or intensive classes; just getting out for a walk each day can help. You need to feel the benefits – both physical and emotional – that come from exercise. It’ll also improve your sleep quality and it’ll help your brain to rest properly. Short bursts of physical activity through the day can help you to feel like you’re getting some downtime, and these movement moments are both refreshing and help you to improve your focus. You need time to move your body, which encourages rest and gives you a chance to unwind. You need this if you want to be able to concentrate properly.
Keep on top of your diet
A healthy brain is one that can study effectively and a good way for you to have a healthy brain? Eat well. What you eat has a huge impact on your ability to study effectively. Eating a diet rich in brain foods, energy-based foods that are natural (think fruit and veggies and protein!) and water will help you to keep your stamina going for study. You will be more inclined to study when you are eating a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates. Processed food that gives you an instant energy lift is not right for you – especially when you’re trying to concentrate and study to pass your exams. Hydration is super important all the time, never mind during exam season, but keeping your brain hydrated makes all the difference to your overall health and wellbeing and keeps your brain engaged in your studies. You need this if you want to pass your exams with ease. Keep on top of a regular eating schedule, too, and build it into your alarms if necessary. That will help you to remember to eat at regular intervals so that you don’t allow yourself to be hungry. Sometimes, the process of feeling hungry can distract your brain and you want to avoid any distractions!
Reach out for support
Isolation in exam season is a no-no. Socialising with your friends may not be the way forward, but you can put together study groups and socialise in another way. You need to connect with others and not exist in a bubble on your own, especially when friends can help you to concentrate, test you and support you while you study so that you feel properly prepared. Take short breaks to retain a sense of normality during this period and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your student counsellor for support. You’re not the only one doing exams, but you also don’t have to feel alone with it. Many colleges offer free support or low-cost counselling to help you to feel well supported in hard times, but you do have to ask!
Exam season can feel like a never-ending marathon of caffeine-fuelled cramming and existential dread, but now you have seven solid strategies to keep you sane. Armed with these tips, you can outsmart stress and tackle your exams like the powerhouse you are. A little self-care, a lot of self-awareness, and just the right amount of pretending you have everything under control will see you through. And when you finally emerge on the other side, you won’t just have survived—you’ll have conquered, because that’s exactly what you deserve.
Life Lovers Magazine® 