Exam prep, study and practising in exam-day conditions are all important to acing your exams. Caelainn McGonigle knows it's important to take care of yourself, as well
During your Chartered education, stress is unavoidable. When you experience high levels of stress, it can present itself by impacting physical and mental health.
Below are several steps to mitigate these stressors and give ourselves the best opportunity to excel when it counts.
Sleep
When we are stressed, it's easy to think of sleep as “time-consuming”, but allowing our mind and body to rest is critical to our success.
By the time we reach exam week, countless hours will have been spent preparing by attending lectures, revising notes and attempting sample papers. Without achieving seven to nine quality hours of sleep a night, we risk restricting our exam performance on the day.
If you encounter difficulties resting in the lead up to your exams, attempt to close the books an hour earlier and reduce screen time before bed.
Exercise and fresh air
Taking a break to move your body and relish the fresh air enables your mind and body to relax and reset.
Exercise, whether walking, running or cycling, can moderate our stress levels and improve sleep quality.
When heading outside, you might prefer to enjoy the silence of the outdoors, or need a little motivation to move your body, such as listening to a podcast or music – either is excellent for your mind and body as long as you are getting your heart pumping.
Nutrition
Maintaining nutritional balance in your meals can be taxing when stressed. It can lead us to over-indulge in meals and snacks, or forgo them all together.
We must uphold a nutritious diet to aid focus levels and sustain energy.
Meal planning in advance of high-stress periods, like exam week, along with keeping enjoyable snacks to hand, is a sure way to remain fuelled when working hard.
Positive mindset during exams
Stress can amplify our emotions. Preserving a positive mindset and prioritising being gentle with ourselves is critical.
It's important to remember the efforts you have made to reach exam season. The groundwork is complete, and it’s time to flaunt what we have learned.
Exams are important, but maintaining our health is a necessity. If you struggle with positivity, try subscribing to a “quote of the day” app or social media page – it may give you the boost you need at just the right time!
Reach out
If stress is increasing faster than you can handle, reach out to a fellow student, friend or family member.
Alternatively, the amazing Thrive team and the
Chartered Accountants Ireland Wellbeing Hub are on hand to offer help and support throughout our journey.
We have excelled through stressful situations in the past. Accept that stress is unavoidable but manageable, and you haven’t come this far only to come this far.
Caelainn McGonigle is PR Officer with CASSI and a trainee with Gilroy Gannon
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