Due to COVID-19, upcoming examinations have been cancelled. However, you may find that upon receiving your results in July, you aren’t happy with the grades you receive. The government has stated students will be allowed to sit exams to try and attain better results.
In which case, it is important that you stay on top of your revision whilst in quarantine. The shift to studying at home may feel slightly overwhelming at first.
However, it is important to focus on what you do have control over rather than what you do not. Here are some tips from a student on how to manage revision stress.
1. Break down revision into manageable chunks
I know for me one of the biggest things that caused me stress during exams was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of content to learn. However, if you break down all the revision you need to do into smaller chunks and work out when you are going to do it all, this can make it seem a lot more manageable and achievable.
Try to spread out revision over a longer period of time so you know you will have covered everything. Hopefully, this will reduce stress and panic if you’re not having to cram everything the night before an exam!
2. Allow time for breaks to do other activities
When revising, make sure you give yourself plenty of breaks to do other things. It can be very easy to get caught up in revision and feel you need to be working all the time.
It is so important to take breaks. It can be helpful to break down the day into three parts: morning, afternoon and evening – and ensure you always take one of these parts off.
Try to do things in your breaks that completely take your mind off exams and revision, such as video calling with friends. If you have other hobbies such as painting or playing videogames, don’t give them up in the build-up to exams.
You need to have time doing things you enjoy, to give your mind and body a break from revision.
3. Try to do some exercise
Exercise can be a great way to help reduce stress during exams and take your mind completely off revision. Whilst we are currently being asked to stay at home unless it is for essential shopping, there are plenty of ways to keep fit at home.
Maybe do some circuits in the garden or look to some fitness channels on YouTube. Exercise is one of the best stress relievers and keeps your body healthy too!
Even if you aren’t a particularly sporty person or don’t enjoy exercise, going out for a short walk as a break can really help clear the mind and make you more focused when you get back to revision.
4. Make sure you get enough sleep
This may sound really obvious but it’s really easy in the build up to exams to neglect your sleep.
When you are more tired, you will no doubt feel more stressed and your brain won’t work as well so your revision won’t be as effective. Getting enough sleep during exam season is vital to help reduce stress and keep you motivated.
5. Talk to others if you are struggling
Exam season can be an incredibly intense and stressful time and if you find yourself struggling, make sure you talk to someone. Being in isolation doesn’t mean you should shut yourself from everyone you would typically see on a day to day basis.
Friends and family (and maybe teachers if you can email them) can help you find ways to manage revision and the stress that comes with it. Make sure you prioritise yourself and your wellbeing over exams and work.
Good luck!
Words: Rachael Foulsham
Take your mind off revision:
