"All I ask is that you do your best, and forget the rest" - Tony Horton
Siri, play 'Stressed Out' by twenty one pilots... 🥴
What a bittersweet month June is.
It's the most overwhelming month of the academic year; so much accumulates that it feels we are about to implode. A lot of stu-dying happening as well. Oh that joke got old? Really? My bad. Anyways...
Yet it's also the month that gives us summer. In other words, there's light at the end of the dark June tunnel, so hang in there. This therefore paves the way for some tips on how you (and I) can positively hang in there, rather than lose our minds.
1. Take regular breaks
Clearly, I'm still super hyped about the Friends reunion. Did you know Jennifer and David were crushing on each other during the show?? How adorable, right? Right, where was I...? Oh, yes, take frequent breaks. And although not everything works the same for everyone, I suggest:
going for a walk/run (reaching that runner's high really relieves stress)
exposing yourself to some sunlight
dance parties (or workouts) in the comfort of your home
simply taking a five/ten minute break by pausing your studying and talking to a family member or making some tea
napping (short naps, I recommend short naps. Don't take a four-hour nap and blame me for not managing to cover everything for your exam)
meeting up with a friend
practising a hobby
Personally, I don't like watching series/movies mid-studying/assignmenting. After actively staring at a screen for so long, the last thing that gives me a break is more screen time. And I actually didn't realise this for a while, because despite everything, I would still enjoy watching the show. Only after I started taking different types of breaks that would leave me feeling much more reinvigorated did I note the difference. Having said that, I do enjoy watching an episode or movie to end my day in a relaxing way.
2. Unpopular opinion: cut back on your coffee
This of course depends on the effect coffee has on you. However, if you're a highly anxious person, cutting back on coffee might leave you feeling less tense. Right before an exam, or during times of great pressure, it's normal to experience increased heart rate, and coffee can exacerbate this. Turning to tea as an alternative might prove to be helpful in lessening your anxiety.
3. 🎶 Just take it step by step 🎶
Often, I look at my to-do-list and it overwhelms me. But then I start by taking the first step and it really doesn't seem so bad; actually, I realise that it's completely doable. So my advice to you is to simply break seemingly impossible tasks into smaller segments and be brave enough to take the first step. Also, (very imp.) - be sure to cross out the task from your to-do-list immediately after you finish it - it's bound to give you the courage to work towards ticking all of the items off your list.
4. Focus on what you're doing right
Sometimes an assignment/exam seems so difficult or demanding that it not only terrifies us, but demotivates us. In times like these, I suggest focusing on what you've done/are doing right. Always try to look at the bright side of things. For example, although it may feel like you know nothing for the upcoming exam, think of the times you've felt this way and still managed to pass, or think of the fact that you've truly tried your best, then God will do the rest.
5. Believe in yourself
If you're a perfectionist like I am, some may tell you to stop being so because this may increase your anxiety and stress. I disagree. There is nothing wrong with being a perfectionist; it often leads to doing your utmost and getting things done well. On the other hand, I suggest believing in yourself. After you know you've done your best, believe in yourself enough to just let go and submit your assignment, rather than re-reading it a million times. In other words, I suggest finding a healthy balance between perfectionism and confidence. And of course, actually doing the work and actually trying your best also reduces feelings of insecurity.
Okay I'm just gonna write these down in block letters on sticky notes and stick them in my room so that I remember to calm down. But the most important sticky note of all would be the following:
It's normal to feel overwhelmed. However, remember that mental health should always be a priority. Also, summer is just a few nights' sleeps away, so I repeat, hang. in. there.
Here's to wishing you the best of luck for your upcoming exams/assignments.
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