Feeling overwhelmed by exam season?
If you are feeling overwhelmed during exam season, you’re not alone. The good news is, you don’t need a 10-step routine or a spa day to feel better. Sometimes, it’s the tiny habits that make the biggest difference. 😴
Whether it’s drinking more water, taking real breaks (not just TikTok scrolls 👀), or giving yourself a break emotionally – this blog is your reminder to put YOU first, even when revision is in full swing.
We hope you enjoy reading it. Please drop your own exam stress-busting tips in the comments. Happy Reading!
Self-Care During Exam Season: Small Habits Make a Big Difference
Exam season is tough, but taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be. Here’s a gentle reminder that small, everyday habits can help you feel calmer, more focused and in control.
Let’s be real, exams can feel overwhelming. You’ve got revision notes everywhere, deadlines creeping up, and probably more highlighters than you know what to do with. In the middle of all this chaos, it’s easy to forget the one thing that can help you get through it all: looking after you.
But here’s the good news: self-care doesn’t have to be fancy or time-consuming. It’s the little things you do every day that can make the biggest difference. Create some good habits to support your wellbeing and give yourself a break!
Drink more water than coffee
We’re not saying ditch your beloved latte, but your brain works best when it’s well-hydrated.
Even mild dehydration can mess with your focus and energy levels. Try keeping a bottle of
water nearby while you study and sip throughout the day (bonus points if it’s a cute one)!
Drinking water helps you to keep down the caffeine intake which actually creates more harm than good, especially if you are someone who struggles with anxiety or you are feeling nervous for up-coming exams.
Sleep is part of your revision
Pulling an all-nighter may feel productive, but your brain needs sleep to actually remember the things you’ve been revising.
Aim for a proper wind-down routine and try to get 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. You’ll wake up sharper and feeling less like a zombie!
Sleep has a huge impact on many different areas of the brain which then affect how you function. Get plenty of sleep if you want to feel motivated to study, energised and concentrate for longer periods of time.
If you would like some help with your sleep, take a look at our Insomnia Toolkit Giftbox it has everything you need for a good night’s sleep!
Take ‘real’ breaks
Scrolling TikTok for 45 minutes isn’t the kind of break your brain needs (no judgement, we’ve all done it).
Step outside, stretch, grab a snack, or do a quick dance in your room! Give your mind a moment to reset, you’ll be more focused when you return.
Try a calming breathing technique
If you feel panic setting in, pause and breathe. My favourite breathing technique is deep belly breathing.
Inhale deeply through your nose, filling the belly up with air (not the chest). For as long as feels right for you.
Then breathe out through your mouth for longer than the inward breath. Aim to empty out all the air from your belly.
Repeat a few times.
It might feel silly at first, but it really does help calm your nervous system.
Write it out
Got a lot on your mind? Get it down on paper.
Journaling doesn’t have to be poetic, just scribble your thoughts, worries, or even your to-do list. It helps clear the mental clutter and makes everything feel a bit more manageable.
Feed your brain
Try to eat food that gives you energy, not a sugar rush. Think slow-release carbs, fruit, veggies, protein, and snacks you enjoy.
Eat regularly – studying on an empty stomach is a fast track to brain fog.
Be kind to yourself
This one might be the most important. If your inner voice is saying ‘I’m rubbish at this’ or ‘I’ll never get through it’, try to flip the script.
Tell yourself, ‘I’m doing my best,’ because you really are.
Exams are important, but they don’t define you.
Final thoughts
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. You just need to look after yourself in small, consistent ways. A glass of water. A deep breath. A proper night’s sleep.
These little things add up, and they’ll help you feel stronger, calmer, and more in control.
These are many of the tools I suggest to clients in the therapy room when they come to me feeling stressed or overwhelmed. If you can stick to them, it really works!
Remember, you’ve got this!
Love From The Little Daisy Self-Care Company x
