Yes, we say this annually, but it is that time of the year again. Semester tests are piling up, and you may be suffering from PTSD as the cold weather only indicates one thing: exams. Unfortunately, it is easy to fall into a dark pit of despair when May rolls around, but do not fret! PDBY has you covered with some essential tips to steer away those winter blues.
- Keep your mind occupied with healthy habits.
Remain as consistent as possible to combat the waves of winter blues. Healthy habits such as meditating daily and making food can act as your very own floatation device during these trying times. Research indicates that people who maintain healthy habits have a lower risk of developing anxiety or depression. However, this does not mean you have to become part of the 5 a.m. club and join a marathon association. You can start small by making your bed each morning, eating breakfast, or listening to a podcast to clear your mind. It is also important to keep your space clean, since it can help clear your mind.
- Get those limbs moving.
Movement improves your cognitive functioning, enhances your mood by releasing endorphins, and delivers oxygen and nutrients to your brain. Therefore, exercise can make you an academic weapon. This may seem like an impossible feat, especially if working out is not your forte. So, start small. Walking is a great way to get the oxygen flowing to your brain. Hatfield campus is massive, and it is filled with safe routes that you can walk every day. Another way to get those steps in is to go shopping! (Menlyn is bigger than you think.) Or, to reach that step goal, park your car a bit further away, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator when you can, and take the long route to your classes. A little exercise is better than none.
- Talk to people.
Academic stress can be extremely isolating because we often feel as though no one truly understands how stressful university life is, especially not our parents. It is easy to lock yourself away during this challenging time, but it is important to lean on your friends and family during exam season. Talking to someone can help give you the perspective and motivation you need, and talking to people who are going through the same struggle can relieve a lot of anxiety. You do not have to endure this alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling mentally, please contact the Student Counselling Unit at 0800 747 747 for free support.
- Treat yourself.
Instead of procrastinating with Netflix or Youtube, see them as a reward after long hours of hard work. It is very important to be kind to yourself, especially when writing exams. If your favourite show brings you joy, do not deprive yourself of it. If having a coffee at your local Vida brightens your day, use it as a reward for completing a task. Exam season does not have to feel like a prison sentence. You are allowed to, and should, make time for what you enjoy (like reading your favourite newspaper).
- “Choose your hard”.
Marcus Taylor is famous for motivating millions of people with these three words: “Choose your hard.” In short, we can choose the outcome of our lives through the decisions we make every day. Studying is hard, but so is failing. Planning is hard, but falling behind is even harder. Getting a degree is hard, but so is finding work without one. Choosing your hard is an effective way to turn your tasks into concrete decisions. Tell yourself that there can only be one outcome, and it will be based on the choices you make today.
The exam season is tough on everyone, and at times, it will feel like you may be losing the battle. Good luck with exams, kids, and remember – you are not alone.
