While the Nursing students are already in full midterm swing, I thought I’d post a couple of tricks I use to stay sane during this stressful season. It can be really tempting during exam season to shut yourself off from the world and only study. Now, if your exam is in 2 days and you haven’t started studying yet, this might be a good idea. If you’re still a week or two out, make sure you still take time for yourself. If you’re so stressed about exams it’s likely your productivity is going to decrease as you slowly slip into the land of worry and lack of sleep.
#1 – Exercise
Exercising releases endorphins which help improve mood. Sometimes, taking your frustration out on the track, or at the gym can help relieve tension and leave you feeling refreshed. I also find that I can focus better on studying, especially if I study right after I work out.
#2 – Find an environment to study in that has minimal distractions and is relaxing.
I like to study in what I call the beige room. It’s the room to the right on the main floor of the library. This room is not silent but offers quiet that is hard to find on campus. I personally have difficulties studying in silence so the noise level of this room is usually perfect for me.
#3- Sleep
I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t matter how much I study if I don’t sleep. Without a good night’s snooze not only do I have trouble focusing but also I find my stress levels and ability to cope with my emotions decline as well.
#4- Make lists and a schedule for yourself
I find by planning out my week of studying, I worry less about being able to accomplish everything. Although I’m flexible when necessary, by scheduling in when I work on my assignments and when I’ll study for exams, I save part of my brain from worrying about when I’ll have time to finish everything. Doing this also helps me use my time wisely and work on things in advanced. Although I only make a detailed schedule weekly, I tend to make a semester-long schedule of when I want to start working on thins really far in advanced.
#5 – Meditate
If you have a busy brain like mine, it can be hard to sort through all the worries when your studying. The practice of meditation can teach you to focus and clear your mind. Not only is this good to reduce stress, but also to enhance your studying ability. If you don’t know how to meditate, try checking out an app called Insight Timer. This app has thousands of different types of guided meditations for you to choose from AND, on the iPhone anyways, it’s FREE!