It’s been the first full year back at university in a while, so we all collectively agree that we are ready for the festive break from studying and working! We are all feeling fatigue for this last stretch – the most important one, with exams beginning.

While it is normal to experience this loss of focus and motivation as the year ends, there are effective and easy ways to not only overcome it, but maximise the last stretch…

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

From timetables to time-out, managing your time as a student is a skill worth mastering, as it will stand you in good stead for your professional life too.

1. TAKE TIME OUT: Yes, we know this feels wrong, but give yourself a guilt-free opportunity to rest, recalibrate, and refocus yourself. Balance is important as non-stop studying is not sustainable for you or your brain.
    
2. IDENTIFY YOUR BEST TIME: When are you most productive? Tap into self-awareness and work out what is best for your particular learning method and personality. Whether you are an early-bird or a night-owl, use this to plan your schedule and maximise your natural rhythm.
    
3. TIME MANAGEMENT: Avoid the panic of last-minute cramming! By marking out your timetable, study days, exams, and creating a steady schedule, you will not only set yourself up for success by planning ahead and giving yourself appropriate learning – and resting – times, but it will mentally calm your stress and anxiety.

HEALTH = WEALTH

We know when you’re young you feel tough and untouchable, but trust us, you want to look after that asset for a long time to come! Physical wellness also dictates mental fortitude, so this is well worth prioritising.

1. CATCH SOME ZZZ: Get 8 hours of sleep a night – recent studies in the NBA proved that extra rest was a game changer for exceptional performance. Make sure you put your phone down at least an hour before bed to prevent the blue light and scrolling from disrupting sleep patterns.
    
2. ADD FUEL TO YOUR FIRE: You are what you eat, so don’t be fast and cheap! Stay well hydrated, and avoid the peaks and crashes of alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Try to work proper meal times into that schedule above, and ensure it’s balanced. If you need, try a multivitamin to ensure you’re on top of it all.
    
3. YOU NEED TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT: Some physical exercise is as essential for your brain as the books are! Ten minutes of exercise is proven to boost endorphins, remotivating you and removing stress. Besides that, it keeps you in shape for the summer holidays to come… 

BE EMOTIONALLY ROBUST

There is compelling evidence that emotional regulation and fortitude is more of an asset than sheer intelligence; the most successful people demonstrate a high ability to regulate their emotions, allowing them to maintain focus with a heightened ability to solve problems and make good decisions. Bearing in mind that the above will all contribute to a general sense of mental wellbeing, you can build on it by doing the following:

1. MEDITATION MAGIC:  Regular meditation increases blood flow to the brain, which leads to a stronger network of blood vessels in the cerebral cortex and reinforces memory capacity. Use it to calm yourself before studying – and exams – for effective engagement.
    
2. FOCUS ON THE FUTURE: It’s easy to spiral in the moment, but look ahead. Focus on the ultimate goal of passing and securing your ideal job. Develop positive speak, surround yourself with like-minded friends, and feel the genuine ripple effects give you a boost.
    
3. ASK FOR HELP: If you are feeling overwhelmed, speak to your lecturer, campus support staff, or a trusted adult to get some advice on healthy coping mechanisms. Most of us have been there and will be able to help you recalibrate.
    

A final word of insight: these tools of excellence are great for university, but essential for the professional life ahead of you. Adulthood is, unfortunately, really just an ongoing exam! To ensure you always find the ideal balance in life, make the most of your student years to enforce healthy habits that will last you a lifetime of success and personal happiness.