They’re here again! Some would say learning to balance exams and learning to drive is impossible, so we’ll just put that on the back burner till they’re all over.  I’ve been hearing these stories from parents for six years now.  Even the kids (or I should say young adults) say I’m too stressed to drive now; I’ve got too much study to do.

Some excuses have included:

• I have to study around the clock or I won’t pass my exams
• My son/daughter doesn’t have time to socialise or drive as they ‘have’ to focus on their exams
• My or their social life can be put on hold until the exams are over.

I know it’s only three excuses, but they’re still excuses.

Breaks are just as important as studying!

Study is important to help them at exam time, but breaks are just as important as studying! It’s been known having regular breaks actually assists in retaining information.  Take me for example, sometimes when I’m writing blogs (such as this one) or struggling with a new task I’ve never attempted before, I find getting up and going to do something else for a short while, assists in me refocussing on the task at hand and surprisingly, helps me get it completed.

Some important breaks to try this exam season.

You’ll be surprised how well it works.

• Go for a short drive. Clearing the head and focussing on something is very helpful (this tip works extremely well for me).
• Take the dog for a walk (if you have one) or just walk yourself.
• Go and make a snack in the kitchen, it’s important to eat well during this period and eat it out in the sunshine or at the table – not at your desk.
• Ring a friend and have a meaningless conversation about anything other than study for 20 minutes or so.
• Been invited out for dinner – go! You still have to eat and a couple of hours out in the evening will be great for you.
• Set study times like you’re still at school – with regular breaks.
• Learn to meditate. Here’s one to assist from the lovely Felicity at Tranquil Meditation based in Somerville.  //www.youtube.com/watch?v=parixwFtgE8&fbclid=IwAR2TTW2cKhZsU-H8VXkZEXyQYvhZg5ozmYIAT5H1RInPdbD8Kl0kBeQvbp0
• This one is harder (as many parents can appreciate). Keeping your area tidy is helpful with good study.

So, there’s some great tips above.

Going for that drive is just the ticket to wind down.

I will say that I’ve also had many young adults and their parents contact me over this period to arrange driving lessons during their exam period.  Going for that drive is just the ticket to calm down. Aiming for some relief when they hop in the car for an hour and talk about anything other than exams and can focus on strengthening their driving skills, makes them calmer and happier to break up the stress.  Infact, our diaries are filling up with students wanting lessons in between exams and study periods.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours, but please remember no matter what your favourite personal activities are, please remember to take regular breaks!  Want to discuss how we can help make the balance happen, reach out for a chat.

Until next time, Sarah