Tips for staying focused during the winter months

Exam season can get overwhelming; everyone around you is engaging in long hours of studying and talking about the pressure they are under. On top of that, London’s chilly weather with shorter days (sometimes without sunlight!) makes it worse. 🌫️

However, all hope is not lost! ✨

Find below a list of 10 easy and practical tips for staying focused during the winter months and acing the exam season:

Hot Beverages ☕

Consider a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to be your best friend this winter season. There is nothing like taking a short break to get yourself a warm beverage (or two!) from your fave store that will help you get through the rest of your study session. Indulge a little, at this time of the year, you deserve it!

Study in Scenic Spots 🏞️

Studying in the same spot, at your regular desk makes things monotonous. You are likely to feel uninspired and lazy. So get up and head to one of London’s iconic study spots. The British Library and the Barbican Centre are quite popular among students who wish to switch things up. Or, go to that one scenic place you discovered during your walks in London. If not, discover one - take a stroll along the Thames, and you definitely will find a spot!

Set a Timetable 🗓️

Setting a timetable is an extremely crucial step to keep you on track during exam season. A well-structured timetable with a focus on key topics divided adequately into study sessions and downtimes enable you to feel organised and anxiety-free!

Stretch it out with Yoga 🧘🏻‍♀️

A little movement goes a long way in relaxing the body and activating the mind. Stretching and deep breathing release both physical and mental tension, giving you the energy you need for another study session. Bonus: Check with your halls team, you may have yoga or another exercise workshop in your accommodation itself!

Practice Gratitude ✏️

It is quite easy to feel like too much is happening during exam season, which is when practicing gratitude comes in handy. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. This little exercise grounds you and is takes less than five minutes! 

LSE Wellbeing Resources 🫂

LSE offers a ton of support and wellbeing resources for those who need them. There are different options catering to a wide array of support requirements. You can read a wellbeing article or even book a one-to-one appointment. Check this page out for more info: https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/student-wellbeing

Cook Comfort Food 🍛

Cooking something warm (perhaps something that reminds you of home) which allows you to get cosy after a good study session is the perfect way to unwind and reward yourself at the end of the day. It is simple but can be extremely therapeutic! 

Engage in Social Activity 💃🏻

Being cooped up in your room studying can get draining and fast. Sometimes, all that you need to get out of this zone is a catch-up with friends. Go out for a coffee or get some dinner with them. Also, if you are doing any extracurriculars, make sure to not put a complete stop to them during exam season. They help you take a well-needed break and develop you holistically.  

Take Short Breaks 🍅

The Pomodoro technique is a proven method to prevent burnout and restore balance. It involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break to stand up, stretch, and relax before you get back to working for another 25 minutes and then continuing the same cycle. 

Be Kind to yourself ❤️

Exam season can be tough so it is important to not be too hard on yourself. Take a day off or two and celebrate your small wins, like finishing a reading. Treat yourself with kindness and remember that your grades do not define your worth.

Feeling overwhelmed during exam season is quite normal during this time. So, don't fret. You are going to be okay. Just follow some of the suggestions above and combine them with anything you like to do to relax and you are good to go. 

Quick tip: Taking a deep breath when you’re feeling overwhelmed is a proven way to feel better. So take a deep breath any time you feel a situation is getting too much. It will work wonders. 👀

All the best and ace those exams! ✨

Written by Drshika

Resident in Sidney Webb House