Study for exams - but don't stress

Eat well while revising

• Eat breakfast to start the day off right
• Avoid skipping meals to ensure a steady supply of glucose/energy
• Have healthy snacks between meals (eg: trail mix instead of chips or carrot sticks and hummus instead of lollies)
• Eat fruit, as the natural sugars provide clean energy
• Vegetables are also good – the darker the colour, the more nutrients they provide
• Keep hydrated with water
• See more food that’s good for you and healthy pre-exam eating

Take care of your wellbeing

• Take regular breaks and schedule in fun things to do
• Revise with a friend
• Get outside and soak in some sun and fresh air
• Be active
• Write a to-do list for the day and tick off tasks as you complete them – this will help you feel in control
• Celebrate small wins, reward yourself when you complete a task or answer a tough question correctly
• Spend time with friends and family
• Enjoy a good meal
• Look out for your mates – you can help each other through this
• Treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the bath 

Manage your stress and anxiety

• Remember – you are not alone – talk to friends or family
• Plan your study sessions to give you a clear picture of what you have to do when
• Don’t overload yourself – take regular breaks – this will help you to focus
• Go for a walk, go to the gym, catch up with friend, do some exercise
• If something unexpected impacts your studies, let your school know
• Take a deep breath – inhale slowly, count to 3, slowly exhale – see more tips for managing anxiety
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Remember: It’s not the end of the world if an exam doesn’t go well
  – whatever your results are, things will work out in the long run

Tips to get exercising

• Drink a glass of water – this can revive you as tiredness can be caused by dehydration
• Put some workout clothes on – the simple act of changing clothes can be motivating
• Run on the spot for 1 minute – this can release happiness hormones like dopamine
• Put on some tunes – as music is motivating
• Be kind to yourself – even a short walk is a good start

Tips for a good night’s sleep

• Go to bed and get up at the same time each day
• Be physically active during the day – not after dinner
• Make sure your bedroom is a quiet, restful space
• Get off your devices an hour before bed – those blue lights aren’t good for relaxing your brain
• Don’t worry about what you haven’t got done
• VIDEO: 10-minute meditation for sleep
• See more sleep hygiene tips

Self-care tips from Action for Happiness