Madeleine Dupuche our Director of Practical Legal Training shares self-care tips for final year law students entering the exam period.
We’ve all heard the messaging about looking after yourself and your mental health during exams, but it’s easier said than done when you are under pressure to perform across several subjects. If you have an upcoming law exam and are finding yourself suffering from exam related stress, read on to learn some tips to reduce exam stress!
Stress due to exams is a common occurence. There are some simple things you can do to care for yourself in times of stress.
We all have 24 hours in a day. Be strategic about how you use your 24 hours. Wondering how to control stress during exams?
1. Sleep – try to get at least 7 hours most nights to rest your body and your brain, this is one of the most important of any self care rules. Any hours of sleep you can get before midnight are like a double shot. So power up during exams if you can.
2. Get organised – write yourself a planner for your exam period. Include hourly blocks between about 6am and 10pm. Allocate blocks of time to:
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- study for each exam (break each subject down into topics)
- work on each assignment
- paid/voluntary work hours
- eating/housework/life admin
- time away from work and study with friends & family, exercise, hobbies.
3. Permission to switch off – plan your down time thoughtfully and really give yourself permission to switch off from study so it’s not niggling away in the back of your mind undermining your rest time – another one of the most vital self care tips!
4. 3 simple ways to switch off:
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- Look at the sky – have you ever thought about how much time we spend looking down at our screens. Step outside for a circuit breaker and look at the sky. Your neck will thank you, you’ll breathe deep and it will look different every time.
- Exercise – I know it’s been said a lot, but those exercise endorphins are good for our brains, whether it’s a walk, run, dance, swim or ride. Give yourself a regular dose.
- Read a book – there’s no better way to get out of your own story than to get into someone else’s. Pick an easy read while you are studying. Screen free time with a good book is like a daily detox A chapter a night will help you get to sleep.
Next time you’re feeling stress or overwhelmed, take these exam stress tips into account!
Finishing your law degree is tough work, and dealing with those stresses will help you on your journey to becoming a great lawyer. Let Leo Cussen help you on that journey with our Practical Legal Training and CPD classes.
Director of Practical Legal Training
