I have really struggled the past few weeks with juggling multiple essays, endless revision, and extremely tiring exams. I’ll be honest, three weeks ago, I would have openly admitted that I just wasn’t cut out for university. I just wanted to hide under a duvet and cry, forever, and ever. However, with only one exam left, I’ve even surprised myself and guess what, *touch wood* I am yet to get unwell! Success? Here are a few tips that I have been using to get me through this horrendous exam season!
Breathe.
The most important first step towards helping stress is to just breathe.
I know, when you are rushed off your feet, and a million (and one) things are whizzing around your head, the last thing you think of doing is to just stop and breathe. Who has time to stop and doing nothing for a moment, especially when stress, deadlines and general panic sets in? But it is so unbelievably important that you make time for yourself to just slow right down. Take everything in, calm down and relax for a minute. This will help to approach all things in life with a clear head.
Plan.
Now, I know that I am ALWAYS going on, and on, and on about planning BUT when you feel yourself getting stress or even anxious over starting something, then planning works wonders.
Grab a notebook and a pen, and just start by writing down all what you have to get done. Then, on another piece of paper break down the master ‘to do’ list into manageable chunks. Now, I like to use a timeline, and I just write in all my tasks in one hours slots but it is entirely up to you. Just get it all written down, on paper so that you can see what to preference and begin with.
Sleep.
Sleep is beyond crucial for dealing with stress.
I have really struggled these past few weeks with sleep. Whereas normally the second I feel a stress headache coming on, I just have a nap, lately, I have been avoiding naps at all costs because it means that I spend half the night awake. Instead, I have just been trying to sleep between 12am-8am to give me a good start to the day. Without enough sleep, I feel as though my day is just an uphill, unachievable battle of boredom, tiredness, and overwhelming stress.
Take a Shower.
Baths are actually better, but a shower is all I’ve got and honestly, at 2am a super warm shower with Original Source Pineapple or Whoosh from Lush (aka ultra-refreshing) shower gel, it is a life saver.
Now I shower every-single-day, mainly because without a shower, I just don’t really wake up. But showering can help to reduce stress levels, in my opinion; as it offers time away from your work and a space for thinking, planning and getting focused for the day ahead. It’s just refreshing, awakening and a good way to just wind down.
Stay Positive and Go Outdoors.
Outdoors = a fresh mind.
It has been almost 30°C in London for the past few days and being stuck indoors, with my blinds down (because my room is basically a giant greenhouse), has been upsetting, to say the least. A quick break away from the laptop to go outside is a great cure for stress. Whether it be a walk or just to sit out in the sun, anything helps. Go outside and try to remain positive.
And remember, everything is going to be okay.
If this post was helpful to you, or you have any more tips, then don’t forget to leave a comment below or contact me here! Also please sign up to my mailing list – all my posts will be sent directly to your email, super easy! 
Excellent tips! especially heading outdoors. It really helps clear your head.
Also, I promise you’ll get through it! I remember the final year of uni being one of the most stressful of my life. Things are so much easier when you get a job!!
I am a counselor and can tell you that your suggestions are right on the mark!
I am so glad that I have got it right with this – I’ve only learnt from personal experiences!
Going outdoors is a big thing for me – I really helps me to calm down so I can focus again.
http://ohduckydarling.com
I completely agree – it helps to clear the mind and start a fresh!
These are great tips. I’m big into planning and also getting out into the countryside. Those things have kept me sane during my doctorate and I’m nearly at the end. Phew!
I think, especially when studying, that the fresh air and keeping organized are key to sanity! It certainly benefitted me once I realised how much they truly helped. What is your doctorate in? I bet you are glad, but also a little sad, to be nearing the end!
Great tips! We often forgot to take a minute and breathe! Loved reading this!
Thank you very much – it is hard to do when caught up in the chaos of daily life but I try my best to remember to take a minute!
Simple remedies but effective. My daughter is at uni and suffers from anxiety. Will pass on these tips
I am all about the simple solutions in life! Hopefully they help her, even if only in a small way. My blog is full of stuff like this, as I really did struggle for my entire three year degree!