Top tips for dealing with stress

It's important that you look after yourself when revising for your exams; as they say, a healthy body means a healthy mind. Here are a few tips to consider:

Get prepared

Be aware of the University's Academic Conduct regulation and make sure you know how the exams will work.

Explore the wellbeing and study support services and information available to you.

Familiarise yourself with how to submit extension requests and Requests to Repeat Assessment Attempts (RRAAs), if needed.

Personal or health issues affecting your assessments? Contact your Student Support Adviser or academic support team as soon as possible through Hallam Help.

Concerned about an academic issue and would like free, confidential, and independent advice? Contact our Students' Union Advice Service.

Eat healthy and drink plenty of water

Foods such as fatty fish, blueberries, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, oranges, eggs, and dark chocolate have been proven to boost your brain, as well as drinking green tea. Make sure you drink plenty of water too, and don't overdo it with the caffeine as this will affect your sleep.

Get plenty of sleep

Aim to get between six and eight hours of sleep each night. If you can't sleep, try drinking chamomile tea, some warm milk, or a glass of cherry juice as these drinks have been proven to naturally improve sleep. It might be tempting to pull an all-nighter to get last minute revision in, but it's not a good tactic. You will be able to think and perform much better after a good night's sleep.

Do some exercise

Exercise helps to release tension and oxygenates the brain, helping you keep calm and relaxed. Try hitting the gym, going for a run, or going to a Zumba class to get your blood pumping and keep those stress levels at bay.

Take regular short breaks

Revising for hours on end with only one short break, or no breaks at all, won't help you to retain the information you've revised. When taking a break, step away from your desk and go for a short walk or grab a healthy snack.

Try some breathing exercises and relaxation techniques

When we feel stressed and anxious, this can cause us to breathe quickly and panic. Do some research into breathing exercises and relaxation techniques as these can help you to feel calmer and less stressed.

Whilst studying for your exams, take good care of yourself and let someone know if you're struggling. The University's Student Wellbeing team offer a range of support for students around wellbeing and mental health.

Remember; when exam day arrives, make sure you've had a good night's sleep and you've eaten something before the exam. Keep calm once you're in there and take a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.

Good luck!

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