Exam period is a stressful time, but it need not take hold of your life. Here are a few surprising ways you can beat exam stress…

Listen to classical music

Listening to music can create a positive and productive environment. It helps elevate your mood and you’ll be happy to know that they can even help you remember better. Classical music has been proven to help boost brain power so get on Spotify now, and start downloading them.

Take a quick walk

Studying smart doesn’t involve you sitting at your desk for long hours at one time. Research has shown that exercising and taking walks can boost your memory. Take a break every hour, walk around the block and come back feeling refreshed.

Plan your routine

Creating a sound study plan will make sure that you discipline yourself and make positive progress as you approach your exam days. If it helps, form study groups so that all the members can help motivate each other. However, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, so do what you feel most comfortable with.

Have fun

To release stress, do what makes you happy. If you feel less anxious after a night of dancing, do that with your friends. After all, you’re only sacrificing one night or a couple of hours. If all else fails, pop a bubble wrap – it’s strangely satisfying.

Get enough sleep

It doesn’t matter how young you are, it’s essential that you get at least eight hours of sleep. The benefits of a proper night’s sleep can never be underestimated. Sleep helps your brain to assimilate new knowledge into your long-term memory, enabling you to recall better when it comes to test day.

Use mobile apps

There are tons of mobile apps designed to help students study better. From improving your arithmetic skills to working on your English language, there’s nearly an app for everything. Download them and use them daily.

Keep calm

To remain calm and collected, meditate or attend yoga classes. These exercises can effectively make you feel less anxious and maintain better focus, improving both your mental and physical health.

Eat dark chocolate

Surprise surprise! Eating dark chocolate which is over 70% cocoa fights the stress hormone cortisol and has an overall relaxing effect on the body. Also, chocolate releases endorphins, which act as a natural stress fighter.

Let it all out

If it gets a bit overwhelming, speak to someone. It could be a counsellor, a friend or even your sibling. Alternatively, go on top of a roof top and scream at the top of your lungs. We promise that you’ll feel so much better.

Break free from distractions

When you’re studying, stick a piece of paper on your room door to tell friends not to disturb. Even if they do barge in and ask you out, say no firmly. If you stick to doing this, your friends will soon realise that you’re serious about getting your work done and that they’re more than welcomed to come back when you’re done.