Looking after yourself
It is very normal to feel stressed or anxious during exam season. It can be an intense time of the academic year for everyone on campus, so it’s even more important that you look after yourself, make time for your wellbeing and reach out for extra support if you need it.
Top tips
Before an exam: Get a good night’s sleep, eat a proper meal, drink lots of water, and get some fresh air. Look over your notes or revision materials, but try to avoid any last-minute cramming!
During an exam: Breathe! Take your time and try not to panic. Take some deep breaths and think back to your revision - you can do this.
After an exam: Do something for you! Take a night off from revision if you can, or at least give yourself a decent break to relax, hang out with your friends, or get some exercise.
Looking after yourself...
- Create a realistic revision schedule – Make sure your revision timetable is broken into manageable chunks. There’s no point overloading yourself with too much work and causing burnout before your exams have even begun! Avoid last minute cramming where possible – spacing out your study sessions will reduce your anxiety and increase the effectiveness of your revision.
- Schedule in ‘active’ breaks – Factor in breaks to your revision schedule. Try to avoid staying at your desk during these breaks – make sure you get a change of location, scenery, and some fresh air if possible. ‘Actively’ scheduling activities can be extremely beneficial, as it forces you to take a step away from your notes and screen.
- Consider your environment – Looking after your physical space is just as important as looking after your mind! Make sure you’re living and studying in a clean and tidy space, as this will help reduce your stress levels, increase the efficiency of your revision, and promote overall wellbeing.
- Challenge your negative thoughts – Replace ‘I’m going to fail’ with ‘I’ve prepared and I’ll do my best’. Challenge subconscious negative reactions with positive affirmations to build your confidence. Reframing your thoughts in this way can be extremely powerful in reducing your anxiety.
- Be aware of your support network – Consider who you can reach out to during the coming weeks if you start feeling your stress and anxiety levels increase – whether that’s family, friends, your Personal Tutor or Wellbeing Services.
What if you need some extra support?
There are so many different avenues of support at Warwick if you’re struggling to manage these feelings alone.
Departmental support:
Speak to your Personal Tutor or Senior Tutor if you need some academic advice and support, or if you aren’t sure which support service to contact. They can help you navigate all the options available to you. They are also the first point of contact for questions and advice regarding Mitigating Circumstances.
