Feeling stressed about exam season? Looking for ways to relax and take your mind off it? We've got some ideas and tips to help ease the pressure of exams.

Don't avoid revision

Taking breaks, taking time for yourself, and making time for your hobbies are important. However, it needs to be balanced with revision. We know that revision can be difficult, so if you're struggling to get started then make sure you reach out to your tutors, academic advisor, or course mates.

Practise mindfulness, guided meditation, and breathing exercises

Studies have shown that breathing exercises and mindfulness can lead to better mental health and reduced stress as it calms the nervous system. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Breathe in through your nose for 4, hold for 7, and sigh out through your mouth for 8. This will naturally relax your body and calm your nervous system, reducing stress.

You could also try progressive muscle relaxation. This is when you scan your body from head to toe, tensing and relaxing each muscle group such as your shoulders and neck. When you release the tension you should take note of how your muscles feel when you relax them and, hopefully, this should help to lower your overall tension and stress levels. Apps like Headspace can help with this as they have guided meditation and breathing exercises to help you when you need it most. Students can get 85% off a year subscription of Headspace! You can also register with Togetherall for free through the University. Togetherall offers a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing. They also have resources to help you through different problems, including stress.

Try something new

Why not go to a classical music concert or join a walking group? Sheffield Walking Group is a community for people in their 20s and 30s to go on regular walks and socials. Getting out in nature can be great for our mental health and it's a great way to get moving and keep active. Music in the Round have regular classical music and jazz concerts and offer affordable student tickets. This is a great way to try something new and focus your mind on something else.

GoodGym are an organisation who aim to keep fit and help their local community. By signing up with GoodGym you can run, walk, or cycle, and help out in your local area by doing tasks like community gardening and delivering prescriptions to the elderly. This is a great way to help in your community, keep fit, and take some time away from your desk.

Get active by going to the gym and trying new classes. This is a great way to keep fit, release endorphins, and meet new people. By joining a Hallam Active gym, you have access to loads of gym equipment, personal programming, and a full timetable of fitness classes such as Spin, Box Fit, and Yoga.

We've got loads of events at the SU to help you unwind. Whether it's a trip to a new city such as Liverpool or our weekly quiz at Revolution, we've got a jam-packed calendar of events to keep you busy and take your mind off things. Download our Hallam SU app to find a full list of events going on around the city.

Reach out to your academic society

Every course has access to an academic society. Contact your course leader or find your academic society online. This can be a great way to connect with your course mates, speak to academics, and get advice on essay writing and subject-specific matters.

Need some extra support? Check out the University's wellbeing service to access support, resources on specific issues, and attend wellbeing activities such as yoga and mental health boxing.

Artificial Intelligence

Using AI can be great for setting up a routine for your day. Pick your AI of choice, whether that's ChatGPT, Bard, or something else, and ask it to create a routine for your study day in a certain timeframe (eg 9am-4pm). This way you can structure your day, with clear time slots for studying and taking breaks.

If you're planning to use AI to help you with assignments, you need to make sure you avoid plagiarism. Read the University's guide on the use of AI in learning and assessments.

Exams didn't go to plan?

We know it can be tough and things don't always go to plan. All students have three dedicated advisors who will look out for you whilst you're at Hallam; you have a Student Support Advisor, an Academic Advisor, and an Employability Advisor. Your Student Support Advisor can help you work through personal issues that may affect your wellbeing and academic study.

You can also speak to the Samaritans if you are in urgent need of support. You can call them for free on 116 123.

We know exams can be stressful, so it's important to look after yourself. Whilst you need to make sure you're putting in enough time to revise, you also need to prioritise rest. Revising morning to night with no breaks will only lead to burn out. Make sure you're sleeping, eating, and drinking enough. Self-care is the key to productivity, so make sure you make time for yourself.

The University have some great resources and support to help you through exams.

We wish you the best of luck for your exams!