Keeping student stress at bay

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is a commitment that requires intense dedication, determination and resilience. This pursuit, especially during exam season, can become overwhelming and mentally taxing. Niamh Manning shares some strategies to help students manage their mental health during their studies

Exam season is a particularly stressful time in a student's life. With a heavy workload, tight deadlines and high expectations, stress is an inevitable part of the journey. But by building resilience, confidence and strength, you can make it as stress-free as possible.

It’s all about timing 

Proper time management helps reduce stress by allowing us to tackle tasks in a more organised manner.

Before you set off on a day of study, be strategic about your day and set goals and actions. Think realistically about how much you can achieve in a day and create a timetable with breaks throughout. 

A tried-and-tested study method is the Pomodoro technique, in which you study for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. This encourages focused study periods and helps you avoid burnout. It also helps improve your focus and keeps the material fresh in your mind.

Treat yourself 

Maintaining focus and momentum during study periods can feel like a marathon. The enormity of the task at hand can feel daunting and overwhelming. 

Instead of focusing on the long-distance finish line like passing your exams, break down your days and weeks into small manageable goals and celebrate and reward yourself when you reach these milestones. 

Short-term rewards can provide a sense of progress and can help you keep going when you hit that proverbial wall. 

Health is wealth 

While it may seem obvious, we can’t emphasise enough just how important it is to look after your mental and physical health during this time.  

Exerting so much energy, physically and mentally on to your study and exams can leave you feeling fatigued, drained and emotional, leaving you vulnerable to exhaustion.

Sleeping eight hours a night, exercising daily and eating well are extremely important for protecting yourself from burnout, reducing your stress levels and increasing your energy. 

Hydration is paramount as dehydration can lead to headaches, poor concentration and fatigue. Drinking enough water throughout the day ensures that the body remains energised and can process information effectively.

Micro-moments of relaxation 

We all know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential, but we can often neglect the power of active resting. Taking small moments of relaxation throughout the day can help reset focus and restore energy. 

Take a few minutes every day to engage in relaxation techniques. 

For example, when you feel tension building, take two to three minutes out to close your eyes, stretch or take a breath. These brief moments can prevent stress from accumulating, lower your heart rate and provide a quick mental rest.  

It is also important to include longer periods of relaxation during the week where you completely disconnect from your studies and enjoy the things you love guilt-free. This allows you to recharge your batteries, helps improve concentration and promotes emotional balance.

Support network 

Due to the intense nature of exams and study, students may shut themselves off and isolate at a time when peer support is important and can significantly benefit them. 

A strong support system offers emotional support, advice and a sense of camaraderie. Students can cultivate this sense of support by connecting with fellow students, colleagues, friends and family. 

Study groups can also be extremely helpful, allowing participants to share knowledge and collaborate. They also provide a certain study schedule and can help keep you honest about your study efforts. 

Many of you will be surrounded by members and alumni who have already gone through the journey and have first-hand experience of being a Chartered Accountancy student. Reaching out to such peers can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement. 

Remaining resilient

Becoming a Chartered Accountant is a challenging but rewarding journey, and students can excel and persevere by remaining resilient and focused. 

It is important to remember that mental health is as important and crucial as academic success, and looking after yourself is imperative for long-term success, both professionally and personally.  

Also, keep in mind the many student supports available to you through Thrive. The Thrive Wellbeing Hub provides a comprehensive mental health and wellness programme with a wide range of services tailored to our students’ needs.

For more advice and information, check out Thrive’s Wellbeing Hub. Alternatively, you can contact the team by email at thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or phone at (+353) 86 0243294

Niamh Manning is a Marketing and Fundraising Officer with the Thrive Wellbeing Team at Chartered Accountants Ireland