The brightest candles burn the fastest, and those 10-hour study sessions may not be as efficient as you think. Keep reading to find my top 10 tips to manage stress and preparation during exam season.
By Anastasia Cagnoni
One: Delete or reduce social media time.
Being productive means reducing all distractions, so if you find yourself constantly checking Instagram or Snapchat you might need to limit your time there, or delete the app. I have also found that these apps decrease my motivation, so during this period I check social media apps later in the day after I finished studying.
Two: Eat healthy.
You want to be thinking about what you are studying, and not on when you will eat again. To do this, make sure you eat nourishing foods that keep you satisfied and not drowsy. Studies have also shown the importance of breakfast to improve short-term memory and attention (P.S. A black coffee does not classify as a proper breakfast).
Three: Sleep well.
We often underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep, when research has shown how memory consolidation happens during the deep stages of sleep. So if you’ve been guilty of sneaking a cheeky library nap, note that those would most likely not contribute to your memory consolidation. Sleep will also help increase your focus.
Four: Take deep breaths, stretch, and meditate.
Dealing with stress can be in the form of slowing down and allowing yourself time to check in on yourself. You might want to check the Library Mindfulness Sessions happening every Wednesday 1-2PM. Have you also noticed the Library now plays relaxation music in the Breathing Space on floor 1? Check it out.
Five: Take breaks.
Walk in nature, grab a coffee with your friends or do something creative. Studying continuously for 10 hours every day is not as sustainable as you may think. Check out the Library Study Happy programme which provides a constant flow of events in the University’s Main Library.
Six: Make time to unwind.
Do not forget to do the things you enjoy. While a weeklong trip to the beach may not be an option right now, make the time for smaller things: a dinner with friends, reading book chapters or even a movie night are a few achievable ideas.
Seven: Change study spaces.
Try switching locations to increase your study stamina: different Library floors, buildings, and grids. And if you struggle to find free study places on central campus, try the University House Grid, which is usually less crowded.
Eight: Study routine.
Create a study plan to make sure you manage your exam period efficiently. Your study routine also includes your daily work, and there are many techniques that you could implement this exam season: Pomodoro method and Stoplight study technique are but a few.
Nine: Study method.
Different methods work for different people, do you prefer collaborative study sessions or individual studying? Are you a visual or an auditory learner? Make sure that the study method you use is suited to your learning style.
Ten: Make use of office hours.
This is your last chance to have a professor address a confusing topic or that problem sheet you are struggling with, so definitely find the time to attend office hours.
Finally, remember to check in on your friends, and share these tips with them if you have found any useful!
What are your top tips? Is there something you would add to the list? Let us know on Twitter @warwicklibrary, on Instagram @warwicklibrary, or by emailing us at libraryblogs@warwick.ac.uk
If you’re looking for other tips for studying, check out the Study Hacks page of our blog. We also have plenty of information on staying healthy during exam season in our Looking After You section.
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