Destressing during exams

It is that awful time of the year where we are all knee deep in revision and exams. For me, one of the most important parts of my revision is my relaxation time, as it keeps me motivated to get my to do list completed and keep the breakdowns at bay. These are my go to things to help me relax and survive the exam period.

Coffee shops: There is nothing I love more than a good coffee shop break. My favourite food is cake, so I love just going and sitting with a friend drinking coffee and treating myself to a cake. There are so many options where I live on Queens road so its so easy just pop over in the middle of my revision.

Take a walk: It’s an amazing feeling to get out in the fresh air and just get your body moving after having sat at a desk all week long. There are so many good parks in Leicester that you can go to just to distance yourself from the stress of revision and the library. Victoria Park is the closest to me, but a bit further out is Abbey park and even Bradgate park has some beautiful long walks.

Cinema: I love going to the cinema during exam time as you get completely engrossed in the film so your mind can’t wonder back to thinking about revision (if you can’t tell I’m a massive stresser). It only takes a couple hours out of your evening so its the perfect getaway. I love going to the Odeon in Leicester as its close to my house and I can always pop for a cheeky Nandos beforehand.

Go to the gym: I’m a massive lover of the gym, it is the one thing in my routine that pretty much stays constant during exam periods as its my biggest form of stress relief. I aim to go five times a week in the early morning and I find that not only does it relieve stress but keeps me so motivated for the coming day. This definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you do love exercise then I definitely recommend trying to do some in your breaks.

Trampoline park: this is one I haven’t actually done yet, however there is a trampoline park called boost in city centre that looks so much fun. In my opinion, this looks like the best kind of stress relief, as you’re bouncing around and having fun with your friends. It’s also something a little different from the norm, so I will definitely be trying this one out.

Barbecue or movie night with friends: the blessing and curse of summer exams is the May sunshine, on the one hand you want to spend all the time lying in the sun but on the other hand, you feel like you need to spend all day staring at the sun from the inside of the library. My happy medium has been to have a barbecue and chill with your friends. I’ve done this twice now so it feels like you’re making the most of the sun while also having fun with your friends and having an evening away from revision.

Alternatively, the university actively offers so many stress relief activities during this time of year, including laser tag, mini golf and a puppy room (I KNOW!) Here is the link to the poster https://bit.ly/2IfSITB I would definitely recommend you check it out!

I hope you all take a great break from revision and aren’t too stressed, it’s almost over!

Molly x