Here are some tips to help deal with stress during exam season: 

Do Not Procrastinate

“I can study another time” or “I have more time this week, I can do it later” are some of the many phrases that students say to themselves to get out of studying. This mentality is the result of procrastination. Procrastination is the act of delaying or putting off a task until the last minute or even after the deadline. 

To avoid procrastination, it is important to set a realistic study schedule. Spread out the dates and times but make sure the schedule you set is not too overwhelming. For instance, students can try to study 1 hour per course at least one week before the exam. 

Studying with friends can also help with avoiding procrastination.

Having people with the same tasks and goals as you can help with motivation and keep the environment stimulating. You can bounce off topics and ask for help easily from each other. Be wary that friends can cause possible distractions, so make sure the friends you study with are genuinely interested in studying like you.

Take Breaks

Don’t forget to take breaks while studying, especially after long periods. Many say that 5-60 minutes of a break can help with refreshing your mind and maintain your overall energy. Intense study sessions without breaks can cause burnout. Burnout is the mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion state that is caused by prolonged stress over a certain period of time. The feeling of burnout can lead to unmotivation, a decrease in energy and many more. 

Here are some effective ways to take a break:

• Go for a walk
• Power Nap
• Talk to Family/Friends
• Stretch