Ways to practice self-care in the midst of a crazy exam period
Exam session is nearing and the days to procrastinate are running out. Stressed yet? While studying is definitely still the key to success, don’t make it your entire life over the next couple of weeks or you’ll burn out before you get to the end.
Take a bath
It’s scientifically proven (I assume) that a warm bath is relaxing af. If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with a bath, take advantage! Maybe even treat yo’ self the night before your exam with some fancy Lush goodies. If you don’t want to spend big, grab any liquid body wash and pour it in with the tap running for some comforting, bubbly goodness.
Go for a walk
I know you need to cram, but your brain needs fresh air to function. You can’t expect it to work properly when the only thing you’re breathing in is week-old leftovers you swore to yourself you would pick up later. If you’re that stressed, take your textbook with you and take a leisurely stroll together.
Buy an indoor houseplant
According to The Guardian, plants in your workspace increase happiness and productivity. Who would have thought the Tumblr aesthetics could be good for you? If nothing else, it gives you something pretty to stare absently at when you’re procrastinating.
Have a cuppa
Soothing warmth, any flavour you can dream of and best of all, caffeine. We seriously underestimate the power of a good cup of tea. Embrace your inner Brit and pop on the kettle.
Listen to ASMR
The new trend on the weird side of YouTube is Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Basically, you listen to a strange person whispering nice things to you, tapping on wood, squishing homemade slime or if you go deep enough, even people roleplaying as a doctor (amazingly, it’s actually not sexual). It may not be for everyone, but there is something distinctly soothing about watching someone else get a massage. Don’t knock it until you try it.
Eat a vegetable
No, that third pack of Doritos does not count as corn and vodka definitely doesn’t count as potato. Chop up anything you have at the bottom of your fridge, sprinkle some olive oil on it and bang it in the oven. Adulting at its finest. If sweet is more your thing, try a mixed berry and banana smoothie. No recipe needed, just shove all that good stuff in with some almond milk and blend away.
Sleep
It’s a student’s number one goal, but our endless procrastination seems to stop us from getting enough. Seven to eight hours of sleep assists in retaining memory – less time studying and more time sleeping may actually let something stick in your brain.
Prioritise yourself
We know ourselves and we know how much we can handle. Grades are important, but they’re not more important than your mental and/or physical health. Take care of yourself first and your grades second.
Jessamy Tredinnick
Jessamy is a QUT Bachelor of Journalism (advertising major) student. She is partial to cats, artsy-fartsy films, travelling, bubble baths, autobiographies and mulled wine.