As you know, it’s the absolute peak of exam season for most university students. I say most, because one of my best friends studies in Canada and this girl finished her exams about two weeks ago and I haven’t even started mine yet. I think Canada is on another wave length to be honest, most of the Canadian uni students I know are done with exams.
The speed at which 2019 is going is a tad concerning. Around this time last year, it was still April. Despite this, I think its safe to say that we are taken aback with how exam season creeped up and how we’re almost to the end of the school year.
It’s a stressful season filled with long hours in the library, you bothering your lecturers with ‘stupid’ questions and setting up last minute meetings because you want to ensure that you’re studying the right concepts.
Let me just rip the band aid and say this - we’re all currently a mess. That’s just it. Currently, we are all in the SAME boat. No matter how prepared you think you are, you’re still worried that you missed something.
While I enjoy a LARGE glass of wine to celebrate my long (and productive) day in the library, I wanted to leave you with some last-minute tips I hope you can still use.
I think this first one you knew was coming; SLEEEEEEP
Speaking as someone who LOVES sleep, I cannot stress this enough. People often see me working late in the night and wonder if I ever get any sleep as I’m usually up early the next day anyway. My sleep pattern is very strange, and I function best when I nap. Literally every day, apart from the odd Wednesday, I take a nap when I get home. Sleep is SO important during exam season. Once your brain is tired, your trying to cram five more cases on inchoate offences into your brain really will NOT work.
· Take that power nap
It could be 15 minutes in the library or two hours at home. The short rest of your mind and body, puts you in reset mode, leaving your brain ready to soak up ten cases (instead of those five that were going nowhere).
· Sleep while everyone is still up
Living in a shared house, its sometimes noisy when everyone is still up, as persons are going up and down or knock on your door to ask for something. These times can even make your headphones irrelevant as you’re still distracted. Sleeping while they’re up means they won’t bother you, and, when you rise later, the possibility that the house is quiet is so much higher.
Basically, listen to your body, when it says “hun, its sleep time.” I strongly suggest that you listen. You won’t regret it.
Sacrifice
I know you may be saying to yourself ‘kmt, she goes from talking about sleeping to talking about making sacrifices. Can’t I sacrifice my sleep if I need to?’ First of all Stephanie, let me explain. Sleep should literally be the last thing on your sacrifice list.
When I say sacrifice, I mean instead of watching two episodes of Gossip Girl daily, watch one – you’d be surprised to know how much content can be covered in those 42 minutes. Sacrifice also relates to small things like going to the library earlier. Getting there earlier means you have a ‘longer’ day and you feel like you’ve accomplished so much. Sacrifice is also telling your friends you need to study instead of going to the pub to watch Game of Thrones [GoT fans, DO NOT COME FOR ME. Thanks!]. The small but time-consuming things in your life can be spent in the books.
Brace yourself for another contradictory tip (I promise you – this will all make sense SOON)
Take that day off
We all need a day off to meet friends and just do what makes us happy and not cringe because the case facts are just disgusting. We need to ensure to refill our cups all the time, but because of the mental pressure we put on ourselves, its even more imperative that we keep that time set aside to spend with friends or to do something we truly love, whether its cuddles with your significant other, afternoon tea, a jog or sleep.
With that all being good and dusted, remember not to stand in your own way. This month’s affirmation is about turning nerves into positive energy. As I said then, its easier said than done, but what I have found has helped, is having a routine that distracts you from the nerves.
Some people (I’m some people):
pray; listen to the words of their favourite motivational speaker before ‘big’ occasions;
listen to songs that make them feel powerful; wear their favourite perfume; say out powerful affirmations and so much more.
I’ve found that these little things can sometimes really help and can calm you down a bit. Do you have any specific thing that calms you down? Let us know !
My parting word for you on this fab Thursday is this:
Exam season is just that – A SEASON!
You’ll be done before you know it and you will have all the time in the world to catch up on all the things you may have sacrifices over the past few weeks.
I was listening to Les Brown this week (like I do every week, if I’m being honest) and he said this: “Wherever you find yourself in life, at some point in time, you made an appointment to be there.” This can be construed so widely, but for this blog post, let’s keep it in the context of exams. Putting in the work and the hours, making time to thoroughly revise and put your best foot forward, will allow you to reap the rewards once results are out.
If you are writing exams, whether CSEC, GCSE, Alevels, CAPE or university exams, I am wishing you the absolute best! We have made it this far and we can push through to the very end of the school year. You are capable, you are retaining all the relevant information and you will pass all your exams!
Sending all the calming and hardworking vibes your way
- Your favourite Unicorn
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