I recommend the Pomodoro technique during studying or writing papers - 25 minutes working followed by 5 minutes of rest. Do that 3x. During those 5 minutes, step outside or sit by a window, enjoy the sun on your skin, and look out into the distance. Avoid doing anything that stimulates your mind (i.e. reading, looking at your phone, etc.) because the point is to rest your mind. After your 4th round of 25 minutes working, take a 30-minute break. I recommend 25 minutes of something fun - a show, a book, a game, etc. - and then the last 5 minutes resting your brain before jumping back in.
While working, enjoy a yummy treat! Something you can snack on or sip to bring some pleasure while you study/write. Maybe music if that's not distracting (wordless music is probably better, but everyone's different).
You could also change up where you study to spice it up (library, friend's place, cafe, etc.).
When you finish an exam, celebrate! Do a solo date or celebrate with friends. It can be as big or small as you want. You deserve it!
May 30, 2025
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I once heard the concept of treating yourself as if you were a child on days when you need to rest and recuperate. I think it’s based on the idea that everyone still has an inner child that needs to be looked after in some way, but sometimes we’re so overwhelmed by having to be an adult (cleaning, cooking, studying, emails…) that we neglect that side of ourselves a bit.
Depending on how you're feeling on your self-care day, you can literally just do exactly what you want - your dream day - but in a way that’s measured and will allow you to slip back into your routine for your upcoming exams.
For example, my dream day during an exam season would be waking up relatively early, having a really nice breakfast, reading a book in the morning and then having lunch. After a quick call with someone who I love, I would then go swimming, before going home and watching a favourite movie of mine while eating a few of my favourite snacks. Then I’d just prepare a few things for slipping back into my exam routine and go to bed pretty early.
I guess the point is to try and see which part of you needs to relax more (your body, your mind) and to allow that to happen. I hope that this makes sense and that it’s helpful to you! And good luck with your exams :-)
Jun 23, 2024
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I can do anything for 25 minutes at a time with 5 minute rest breaks: cleaning, exercising, working, writing, etc.
Related: taking my rest breaks first. If I want to do something but have trouble getting started, I set a 5 minute timer and let myself chill with no guilt. Once the timer goes off, I make myself do whatever I was putting off for at least 25 minutes.
3d ago
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Been there, done that. I can share the strategies that worked great for me. I found it useful to plan those weeks ahead and minimize all distractions. Planning my meals in advance helped me avoid the hassle of grocery shopping and cooking during that time.
I also made Post-it notes with the date of each exam, which I could satisfyingly rip off once the exam was done. To stay motivated, I created a playlist with "epic" songs—video game boss battle themes or movie scores from exciting scenes, like Time by Hans Zimmer—which I listened to while commuting to school to hype myself up.
I minimized chatting online or in person about the exams, allowing me to enter a focused, almost trance-like state on exam days, at least until they were over. Small habits like these help set the right mindset.
As for studying, there's no magic trick—you just have to sit down and grind. Making posters with key points and placing them where you'll see them often (on your bathroom mirror or even in the shower) can be a great way to reinforce what you've learned.
Feb 22, 2025
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I waited years to go to the Huntington's Rose Garden Tea Room bc I was looking for someone to go with. I finally decided to just go with myself after work and took my time exploring the gardens after.
Don't wait years like me. If you want to do something, go and do it!
May 15, 2025
May 11, 2025