Health and Wellbeing: Exam Period Hacks

In the United Kingdom, the majority of exams take place during the summer months, a time when the risk of colds and flu tends to be lower. Despite this, it’s still crucial to focus on maintaining your health in the lead-up to exams. Taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing during this period can help you perform at your best. Here are some top tips to keep you feeling healthy and balanced during your exam revision.

Exercise Regularly

While it might seem like a waste of valuable revision time, regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy exam routine. Incorporating physical activity into your schedule can actually enhance your revision by breaking it up into more manageable chunks. Exercise helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be particularly high during exam season. It also boosts your mood, energy levels, and overall mental clarity, making it easier to stay focused. Whether it’s a quick walk, a yoga session, or a gym workout, taking time to exercise will improve your ability to concentrate and help you unwind, leading to better sleep.

Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important aspects of your revision routine. We’re not suggesting you should be sleeping excessively, but it's crucial to establish a regular sleep pattern leading up to and throughout the exam period. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This might mean being disciplined about turning off screens and winding down earlier in the evening, but the benefits will be worth it. Proper rest allows your brain to consolidate the information you’ve been studying and ensures that you’re mentally sharp when sitting those exams. It also helps improve memory retention, problem-solving skills, and overall focus, all of which are essential during exam time.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A nutritious, balanced diet plays a significant role in how well your brain functions, especially under stress. Research consistently shows that what you eat can affect your concentration, mood, and cognitive performance. Incorporate plenty of leafy green vegetables, oily fish, and nuts into your meals. These foods are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which are known to support brain health and improve focus. Avoid the temptation to live off junk food or sugar-laden snacks, as these can lead to energy crashes and decreased concentration.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping hydrated is essential, especially during the summer exam period when the heat can cause you to lose fluids through sweating. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, aiming for at least 2 litres, and avoid sugary drinks like full-fat cola or energy drinks. Staying hydrated helps your brain stay sharp and improves cognitive function, which is crucial for retaining and recalling information during exams. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and headaches, all things you definitely want to avoid while revising or sitting an exam!

Spend Time with Friends and Family

Although exam revision can be intense, it’s important to give yourself breaks and socialise with others. Isolating yourself for long periods can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Spending time with friends and family provides much-needed emotional support and a mental break from studying. Whether it’s a chat over a cup of tea, a walk in the park, or a short movie night, socialising helps to improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress. Having a support network around you can also help you stay motivated and remind you that you're not alone in the process.

The exam period is undoubtedly a stressful time for everyone, but by looking after your physical and mental health, you can maximise your performance. Maintaining a balance of exercise, sleep, good nutrition, hydration, and social time can all contribute to improved focus and reduced anxiety during this intense period. Remember, exams are temporary, the exam season will only last a few weeks, and once it’s over, you’ll have a long summer break ahead to relax and recharge. By taking care of yourself now, you'll be setting yourself up for success both in your exams and in your overall wellbeing.