If you're reading this I'm guessing you are now part of the 'I thought high school was stressful but it's a pint of Ben and Jerry's compared to this bollocks' club. Welcome! It's not very fun and we all wish we were somewhere else, but no fear,
A levels/Highers are basically the worst kind of examinations there are. They don't mark intelligence, just your memory, and they most certainly are not enjoyable - but, they can be survived. Here are my tips for not breaking down and crying every time you get home.
PART ONE: SELF CARE
This one is aimed more at those with pre-existing mental health issues rather than those going into college without them...
- Make sure you shower/bathe every 2 days: For some that haven't had depression/any other mental illness this may seem like a no brainer, but sadly the reality is that it often becomes an afterthought. I often find that when I'm in a downward spiral and I feel like everything is imploding, the best thing I can do is have a cool shower. After I feel refreshed and like I can face the world again - plus I can sit next to people on the bus again.
- Eat full, balanced meals: If you live alone, or your parents aren't the best cooks, it is essential you learn how to cook the basics and remain healthy. Having a decent breakfast, lunch and dinner is key to keeping up brain function and energy levels to make sure you are performing to the best of your abilities
- Make a conscious effort to talk to other people: On days where you are spending the day studying at home, make sure you call a friend, talk to your mum or dad or sibling to make sure you don't go stir crazy from straight revision
PART TWO: SOCIAL LIFE
It is extremely important to have a social life as well as study, here are some tips to help keep the balance.
- Structure it in terms of a 1:1 ration: For every hour you spend slaving away (and I mean actually doing work not just sitting there with a book open staring into space), spend an hour with friends outside of the house/wherever you are studying. Teaming social interaction with getting fresh air is the best way to do it.
- Reserve hard partying for Friday's and Saturday's: Trust me, no one wants to go into college with a hangover/being very tired even if there was no alcohol consumption. Getting a good night's sleep before working is important, plus you can spend the day after partying recuperating and eating, which is much better than studying.
- When you go out or take a break, take a break: What I mean by this is not feeling guilty or thinking you could be doing more work. Everyone needs time to relax otherwise you will burn out. When you have set aside sensible time to hang out with friends, make sure that you tell yourself it is okay to not be doing work.
PART THREE: TIME KEEPING
Timing, possibly the most important part...
- MAKE A GODDAMN SCHEDULE: I cannot stress how much this helps keep you on track. If you have a half term coming up or study leave, make a list of things you need to complete or revise, then make a realistic schedule to stick to.
- Make sure to get to class on time - or at all: If possible, try not to miss class. I miss a lot of classes due to health issues, and let me tell you, having to catch up on missed work everyday is horrible. You end up with patchy notes and confusion - not a good mix.
- Don't be too ambitious: When I'm planning what I'm going to study, when I'm going to study it and how long it's going to take, I always overestimate how long it's going to take me. This way, if it takes longer than I thought, I'm still on schedule and don't get stressed, and if I take less time than I thought, I can get ahead of schedule.
PART FOUR: MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY
There are many ways to manage anxiety, these are just the ones that work for me:
- Utilise calming games/websites: There are so many websites/apps out there that can help control anxiety, calm you down if you have a panic attack, or just need to have a quick breather while doing something that takes your mind off studying, but isn't too taxing - here are some great sites.
- When planning a schedule, schedule in a rest day: Make sure you set aside a day, or more depending on the amount of time (e.g. if it was a two week holiday set aside 3 days ect), that you don't even think about work. It's important to let yourself rest and you have to do it properly, you won't relax is you are constantly worrying about having to finish this essay or start that project
- Keep doing regular exercise: Not only will it release endorphins which will make you feel happier, it will help clear your mind and keep you healthy during exams and term time.
PART FIVE: ACTUAL STUDYING
The bit that actually counts...
- Record your notes: When you have free time or if you're on a run/bicycle ride, listen to them. You might feel stupid listening to yourself but it will honestly help.
- Try several ways to revise the same thing: Changing it up and figuring out how you learn best is so important. These two video's are great to give you some ideas.
- STUDY THROUGHOUT THE COURSE: I cannot stress how important this is. You will not remember everything you need to if you begin your revision a month or two before the exam. Trust me, it does not work.
I hope this was helpful, good luck!
Stock Photo's used under creative commons from: DesignersPics, Gratisography, StockSnap
