Every year, around this time, experts tend to weigh in on how to manage exam stress. I too am an expert (at getting stressed out), so I feel I am well qualified to write about this topic.
There are no new tips or tricks that I can teach you about how to beat stress (and if there were, I would find a hundred different ways to monetise them by now). However, what I can do is review some of the oft-suggested tips and allow you to be the judge of what works best for you.
PS: This article is a five-minute read at least; so, congratulations; if you’re trying to procrastinate, you’re off to a good start!
Healthy eating: Cutting out junk from your diet and remaining well-hydrated are good practices to follow, regardless of whether you have exams going on, or not. However, exam time is also when you tend to feel quite sorry for yourself, so you definitely need the odd ice cream to get you through the week. Since this tip sounds great on paper but is practically difficult to follow, I award it 3/5 stars.
Taking regular breaks with rewards at the end: This is hard to follow, if you have a poor sense of discipline when it comes to resuming work after a break, or limiting rewards so that you don’t overdose on them (helloooo ice cream). I have found it to be more effective to take a break once I achieve a goal (for instance, completing a chapter or solving a difficult problem), rather than making it periodic (breaking every hour, regardless of what progress has been made). The reward tastes sweeter, and not just because it’s Nutella-flavoured. Since it involves rewards, this tip gets 4/5 stars.
Exercise regularly: Again, one of those good habits that don’t really require a special event like exam prep as a reason to spring to life. Exercise is an effective procrastination activity that is also good for your physical and mental well-being. What more could you want? That is a solid 5/5 for me.
Planning your work : Setting realistic goals and ensuring that you prioritise your work, seem like blatantly obvious things to do when prepping year after year this is featured as a mind-blowing “tip” (probably because few of us are actually good at setting realistic goals). In a twist to the usual hastily scribbled plan, you could consider “journalling”. Of late, this hobby is enjoying some popularity as a way to relieve stress. So, if you are creatively inclined, try making time for it. Use your break to draw up intricate plans (check out Pinterest for inspiration on bullet journalling), write about what’s on your mind, doodle or even pen a poem.
By itself, I give planning 2/5 stars because it does nothing to ease stress levels (apart from giving me a false sense of security of having my life in order). However, with journaling thrown into the mix, the stress relief is more prominent; so 3.5/5 stars.
Talk to someone: Breaks spent on watching TV or catching up on social media are the kind I regret, because I am left with a feeling of dissatisfaction at not having fully enjoyed the time off. I then start stressing out over not optimising my use of break-times (it is a vicious cycle). To avoid all this, it is best to talk to friends (not the ones who stress you out even further). This is far more enjoyable, and allows you to “live in the moment”. 5/5 stars; interact with other humans whenever you get the chance.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises have helped many people with managing stress. Apps such as Headspace and Calm have quick and easy guided programmes that allow you to dip your toes into meditation without having to shave your head and relocate to Dharamshala. 4/5 stars (I would have given it a 5, but as with all habits, this one too, takes a while to form).
Pursue hobbies: If you enjoy playing a sport, continue to do so; just reduce the time you dedicate to it. If you enjoy reading or calligraphy, schedule time for this as well. Don’t turn your world upside down just because it is exam time. 4/5 stars, because it is good to have a spot of normalcy in an otherwise abnormal daily routine that just involves studying.
Regardless of which of the above tips you find helpful, remember to put things in perspective. Exams are just one part of your life. They don’t define who you are and who you become tomorrow, unless you give them that kind of power. Good luck for your studies, and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The author is a psychologist and management consultant. krithvis@gmail.com
