Maintaining your mental wellbeing during exam season

During exams, it can sometimes be hard to regulate your mental health, especially with all the stressors that pile up, whether it is written tests or coursework. However, despite the temptation to keep working for as long and as hard as possible, we don’t want a burn out. It is important to remember that rest and self care are forms of productivity, even if you don’t have a laptop screen in front of you.

1. Clean your workspace

Normally, after studying all day, my first priority is to get into bed and sleep. My clothes and extra pillows end up on the floor, my lunchbox stays in my bag, and all my books and papers are scattered over my desk. This isn’t the best thing to wake up to nor a peaceful working environment, so I have integrated 15 minutes in my morning routine to clean my room. I always start by opening the curtains and getting as much sunlight as I can during the winter months. I pick up my clothes, make sure no hoodies are piled up on THE CHAIR (you know the one I mean), and make my bed. My last step is to put on my perfume/body spray/cologne if I’m going out, or light a scented candle if I’m working from home, so that a nice scent lingers in the air.

2. Studying hacks and breaks

To start my day, I firstly always make a to-do list of things I want to accomplish that day specifically. Additionally, I ensure that there is time later on in the week so that my schedule stays adaptable and I’m not under constant pressure and don’t feel guilty if I can’t finish everything. I like to use a Spotify playlist called ‘Work Music 📚 Focus Playlist’ by Soave when I am studying. White noise isn’t for everyone, but this playlist is the perfect blend of both gentle and motivational music. While predominantly instrumental, a few songs have lyrics or vocalisation, but once you get into the swing of things, this really doesn’t matter.

I also prefer to work in focused spikes with a break in between. I complete one or two tasks on my to-do list, or study for an hour. After this, I have a 5-7 minute break. During this time, I don’t want to go on my phone (she’s firmly staying in Do Not Disturb) and so I always make myself a hot drink. Waiting for the kettle to boil or the milk to warm up is actually the perfect break and it’s always good to stay well hydrated and fed while using your big brain energy.

3. Short bursts of exercise

I know that studying feels very consuming, especially as deadlines loom closer. This means I don’t always make it to my gym stint even though it is my stress outlet. Therefore, I either book a class at the University Sports Centre so that the timings keep me accountable and make sure I leave the house, or I have taken to small moments of exercise to either start or end my day. If the weather is nice, a walk around campus, or through Heaton or Exhibition Park are an excellent break. Pilates and yoga are also my at-home workouts after sitting in a chair all day, and I use a teacher on YouTube called ‘Move with Nicole,’ as she has playlists that can focus on certain muscle groups or that are time specific.

It’s good to keep moving while you are seated at your desk to keep away the stiffness. Have a sip of water and roll your shoulders, straighten your back, and stretch your neck. Here are some guided desk exercises to keep you mobile and comfortable during your study period.

4. Look after yourself

This seems like a basic one but if you are working from home, don’t forget to get changed out of your pyjamas to get your brain in the right mindset. I even have an extra fluffy, extra large jumper that I wear only when I am working at my desk. Brush your teeth everyday, and make sure you shower and shave if you need to. Some people fall into the wormhole of living off meal deals and cheap fast food as they feel they don’t have time to cook. However, homemade meals will not only make sure you don’t get a post exam cold, but will also help you study more productively. Take the time out of your study schedule to cook a meal and use the time it takes to eat it as a well deserved break.

5. Stay in contact with your friends 

I have found that body doubling is a great way to study. This involves meeting up with my friends at the library or a cafe, a 5 to 10 minute catch up, and then headphones on. We hold each other accountable for the studying we need to do and make sure we don’t even up scrolling on our phones. When you take a break together, it’s a great opportunity to catch up, check in and have a laugh before returning to focus. 

If you’re the type of person who works best alone, then I recommend that you still take the time to check in and meet up with your friends. This will ensure that you still feel connected and have a relaxing moment amongst all your preparation. 

If you need further support, please reach out to Newcastle University Student Wellbeing.

By Leyla, third-year English Literature, Language & Linguistics student and Student Content Creator