Restful revision: eight steps to a calmer, wiser you

As the year wends its way towards its close, tensions tend to rise in some people.

 Here are a few tips developed from a guide offered by Oxford University to all those about to take exams.

1. A problem shared is a problem halved, as the saying goes.  Talk to your friends about anything that is worrying you; you will very likely find you are not alone.
2. Keep a routine and get enough regular sleep.  This is a case of getting about the right amount for you.  Too little sleep can leave you tense, too much and you can feel groggy when you wake up.  Most people need about 6-8 hours each night and find going to sleep earlier benefits them more.
3. Eat small regular meals with plenty of water, regardless of whether you feel hungry at the time.
4. Make sure you take time out of studying to do something relaxing.  Remember the 25:5 rule – spend five minutes doing something different and diverting for every 25 minute intensive study you put in.
5. Get outside and exercise.  It is proven to shake your mind loose of the shackles of worry and re-focus on what is important.
6. Breath gently and deeply.  Follow your breath with your mind, notice thoughts come up and petition your mind for attention.  Notice them, love them, let them go.  After a few moments you will feel more in control for having acknowledged your thoughts without having let them take over.
7. Start early and plan your revision so you can be sure you have left enough time for everything.  Leaving everything to the last minute will lead to stress you can just do without.
8. Don’t put your life on hold just because you have exams coming up.  Deliberately set aside time to do what you enjoy and which makes you happy.  After all, you work and learn best when you are happy, and even if not, who wants to spend a month or two every year feeling miserable!

Photo by jez`