Beat the Stress of Revision

Summer exams are looming and that feeling of dread is upon us yet again! Whilst Easter was a welcome break from lectures, seminars and the library, it can be a sudden jolt back to reality once you’re knee deep into your regular uni schedule.

If the thought of upcoming exams and assessments is starting to worry you a little bit, we’ve complied our top tips to help you keep a calm head over the next few weeks. Believe us, you’ll be enjoying the sun and university free before you know it!

1. Before you even get to the point of panic, make a plan- as the old saying goes, ‘those who fail to plan, plan to fail!’ If you’ve got an idea of what you need to learn and when you need to know it for, you’ll be more motivated to get things done.

2. Make sure you’re maintaining a healthy diet. Fresh fruit and veg, along with 3 good meals a day will help you get more work done. If you’re revising with friends or flatmates, cooking a meal together is a great little break to take your minds off things.

3. Drink lots of water. Not only will this keep you going through the long sessions, but it’ll make sure your brain is working at it’s best.

4. Get some exercise. Even going for a short walk or run will help you feel better and give you some time to let all of that information sink in. If you’re a member of a gym or part of a student sports team, this is a great way to get some revision based frustration out. Alternatively, yoga is a great way to de-stress and there’s lots of places around the city offering yoga classes.

5. Take a break. If you’re working as hard as we hope you are, you’ll have earned a pint in the pub or that trip out for food.

6. If you’re really feeling anxious and not yourself, talk to someone. All of the universities in Liverpool offer student support services and can help get you through those tough times when you might need a helping hand. Find help here: University of Liverpool, John Moores University and LIPA.

7.  Make sure you’re getting as much sleep as possible. With a million and one things running through your mind, it can be hard to concentrate when you need to. If you can get into a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time, you’ll feel much better in the long run.

8. Try not to take on board any pressure. Some friends may say they haven’t revised, or that the exam will be easy, but stick to what you’re comfortable with. Parents may also find themselves adding to the pressure unintentionally but along as you do your best, they can’t ask for anymore. Lastly, don’t pressurise yourself! You may have in mind what grade you would like, but all of the extra worry and panic can actually have a detrimental effect on your exam performance.

9. Don’t worry. Once you’re out of the exam room, put it out of your head and think about your next test- often exams will have gone better than you thought!

10. Plan something nice for when all of your exams are finished. If you’ve got a celebration to look forward to, things will seem a lot better.