We are currently in the middle of exam season. Pupils and students around the country are studying hard; memorising important dates, writing essays and learning formulas. This is an intense period of time for young people and it can have a negative impact on their mental health.
Here are some tips to revise effectively whilst taking care of yourself:
R – Rest: Take regular short breaks from revision. Use meditation to clear and refresh the mind. Get enough sleep.
E - Early Start: Your brain is at its freshest in the morning, utilise this. You will then be free to enjoy the rest of your day.
V - Variation: Try different methods. Mind maps, flash cards, past papers, teaching what you've learnt to someone else etc.
I - Ignore: Remove distractions, including your phone. Don't spend time copying text or making things look pretty - this is also a distraction!
S - Senses: Read, write, speak, listen and act out what you have learnt; this increases the chances of it staying in your mind.
E - Environment: A quiet and comfortable environment is best to enable focus.
Mental health issues are a big concern for young people and they don’t just affect the individual who is experiencing them. Untreated mental health issues could lead to conflict in the household. It is important to be aware of this as family breakdown is the biggest cause of homelessness among young people.
Stress can also lead to unhealthy behaviours including substance misuse so during this stressful period it is important to have an outlet. This means giving yourself personal time away from studying and doing things that help you relax. For some people this is watching a film in the evening, for others it is doing sport, find something that helps take your mind off the subject you are studying for. Not only is taking breaks good for your mental health but it will also help you learn more efficiently by digesting what you have learnt whilst you rest.
If you know any other young people who are sitting exams soon, share this with them to remind them to take care of themselves this exam season.
Good luck with your exams and take care of yourself!
