The Importance of Self-Care During Exam Preparation

With exam season knocking at the door, it is normal to feel anxious & stressed. Well, you aren’t alone!! exams can be a stressful time of the year for students as you’ve got a whole syllabus to complete within a stipulated period. Of course, a slight amount of stress is natural, & even vital to stay focused & motivated throughout your preparation. But an elevated & constant amount of anxiety can often cause decreased focus, low self-esteem, and other mental and physical issues.

Also Read: Top Ways To Deal With Exam Stress

This article discusses some of the most proven ways to practice self-care while studying for students so that they can cope with exam stress and prepare well for the examinations.

Tips To Keep Up Mental Health During Exams For Students

A lot of stress and anxiety accompany the exam season. Of course, one is always advised to maintain a fit & healthy body to achieve academic goals. But it is equally important to keep your mental health in check. Many students deal with a lot of stress in their academic life and often ask, “how do you take care of your mental health during exams?”

Here we’ve put together a few tips to help you avoid exam burnout and make self-care an essential part of your routine. Take a look:

Why is Self-Care Important in Studying?

Students often think, “Why is it important to maintain mental and physical well-being during exams?” Classes, extracurriculars, exams, social life, and other daily commitments often overwhelm them. This hectic schedule can be stressful, leave little time for them to take care of themselves, and lead to various physical & mental health issues. 

A self-care routine helps students reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. As a result, they can adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and focus on academic goals.

1. A Good Night's Sleep is a Must

The very first & foremost thing that helps you get through a stressful exam time is the amount of sleep you’re getting. A good night’s sleep of at least 8-9 hours can make a big difference to your mental health and ability to focus during your studies. On the other hand, poor sleep often causes health complexities such as a weakened immune system, mood swings, irritation, or depression. Therefore, by improving your sleeping routine during exams, you can have a higher level of energy & motivation.

2. Unplug Social Media for A While

Social media is a popular way to stay entertained or in touch with the world. But constant browsing of online news feeds can be overwhelming. Limiting screen time is among the best ways to practice self-care while studying, especially when you’re swamped with the syllabus or need relaxation.

3. Keep Yourself Hydrated 

Putting this simple thing into your self-care routine during exams may sound silly, but keeping your body hydrated ultimately results in improved alertness & concentration. Various studies have also shown dehydration causes extreme anxiety, frustration, and other issues, such as memory loss. So, always carry a water bottle on your study table and grab healthy snacks between studies, such as dry fruits, etc.

4. Reach Out To Your Friends

A good support system always checks our mental health during increased stress levels. Reaching out to our friends/family members/classmates or roommates, or anyone you’re comfortable with and speaking about your anxieties/insecurities is among the best ways to practice self-care while studying and get recharged. Keeping all your feelings bottled up will only increase your stress level.

5. Eat a Healthy Diet

Ensure you eat regular meals and snacks without skipping them during exam preparations. Providing our body with enough nutrition is essential, as the brain can’t work on an empty stomach. Many students think they’re saving time by grabbing junk food or packaged food instead of sitting down for a quick meal, but it can hurt you in the long run. It makes you feel dizzy, sluggish, and tired, impeding your focus.

6. Everyone Deserves a Treat

How do you take care of your mental health during exams? Treating or rewarding yourself after accomplishing specific academic goals is one of the best ways to feel good about yourself & take care of your mental health during exams. For example, when you finish a couple of chapters or solve 100 MCQs of a mock test, you can do whatever makes you happy, like watching a movie or hanging out with friends, etc.

7. Limit the Use of Caffeine

Many students often consume caffeine while preparing for exams. Though it helps students to improve alertness and retain & grab information faster, extreme consumption of coffee is not good for our health. It often results in a lack of sleep, headache, or irritation. So, the students need to limit their caffeine intake.

8. Perform Meditation or Yoga to Stay Calm

Kick-starting your day with a short meditation or Yoga is among the best ways to practice self-care while studying. It helps you stay active, calm & enlightened, improving productivity and memory power. So, meditation, Yoga, or any mild exercise like swimming, jumping, or aerobics are the best stress-buster exercises for students during exam burnout.

9. Clean Your Mess

Cleaning & decluttering your study space may help you lift your mood during exam stress. Remove all the unnecessary items from your study table and keep all your study materials well-organized. It will keep you distraction-free, improve focus, and create a peaceful area while studying.

10. Don’t Forget To Take Breaks

How do you take care of your mental health during exams? When you’ve swapped with the longer & constant study hours, taking a break of 15 to 20 minutes after every hour of study will help you get relaxed, recharged, & stay focused.

Summing Up

Now you know why self-care is important and how to manage your mental health during exams. The fear & anxiety ultimately decreases concentration and increases the difficulty in grasping concepts while studying. Follow these tips in your daily routine and focus well on your exam preparations.