Maintaining Self-Care During Exams

Whether it is a final exam in school, state testing, or college entrance exam it is easy to get overwhelmed when trying to balance it with the other areas of life like work, family, friends, and sleep. It’s important to remember to practice self-care during this time to ensure you balance your mental health.

1. Set a study schedule.

More often than not students tend to wait until the last minute to begin preparing for a big test. This tactic actually affects more than just grades, it also has an impact on mental functioning. Not being able to obtain the majority of the information results in anxiety and stress. Last minute studying can also lead to unhealthy eating and sleeping behaviors. This can lead to other mental and physical health disorders.

Everyone has a preferred method to study. This could be making flash cards, reading notes, participating in study circles, etc. Recognize the study method(s) that work best for you. Once you have that method(s) set a study schedule is set early. A study schedule can be as simple as reviewing flashcards, notes, or participating in study circles over a period of time leading to the day of the exam. Setting a study schedule that requires you to study over a period of time leading to the exam allows you to obtain better grades.

2. Find the right place to study.

In addition to finding the right study method(s), the right environment is equally important. Whether it’s a place that is silent such as the library, a little noisy such as a café or student center; the right location will serve as a motivator to study.

Studying in a place or environment that you do not enjoy, you can become easily distracted or annoyed. This kind of environment can increase stress levels and frustration, therefore you’re unable to concentrate. However, when you study in an area that you enjoy, you’re less likely to be distracted or agitated. When you have the right study space, you’re more likely to improve organizational skills, therefore leading to good study habits and positivity.

3. Ensure to include personal time.

Taking care of yourself during exam time is vitally important! Take time to continue doing activities that make you happy. Take at least 15 minutes out of your day to meditate, read a book for leisure, write, go to the gym, go for a walk. This time allows for your brain to rest and better process the information you are trying to retain.

4. Healthy Eating.

Believe it or not, our diets are critical to how we feel. More research is being developed on how food can prevent and manage mental health and wellness. The food-mood connection explains how eating habits can contribute to our moods.

Unfortunately, we find that the more cost efficient foods tend to be the unhealthiest. Not to mention that when we are stressed, unhealthy and greasy foods are the primary go to. Keeping easy-to-grab foods such as fruits, nuts, cheese and crackers, or peanut butter crackers around to ensure you’re eating healthy can be a huge contributor to maintaining good mental and physical health.

5. Ask for help.

Your mental health should always be number one priority. Talking through problems have always been proven to decrease stress and strengthen immune system. Find a trusted relative, friend, mentor, or maybe even mental health provider to help you deal with the stress and anxiety that you are feeling. They will be able to tell you about different coping strategies or methods to help you through this time.

Take the time to identify at least three people that you can talk with when you are feeling stressed or anxious. In addition, identify a local mental health provider that you may consider seeing for professional help.

What’s The Tea for anxiety and stress?

Chamomile Tea naturally helps increase serotonin and melatonin levels in your body. This can leave you feeling relaxed without feeling drowsy; relieve tension by relaxing muscles and aches; soothe anxiety, stress, and tension headaches.

Lemon Balm Tea helps activate the GABA receptors in the brain. It has also been proven to improve concentration levels by boosting memory and brain power. It also helps reduce tension and relaxes muscles, relieving headaches and muscle cramps. It’s also good for the digestive system!