How to survive revision

I am currently on study leave for my A levels which begin in less than a month and therefore have meant that I have spent the majority of my time revising each topic in-depth for each subject. However, studying can be very boring after some time, as well as tiring, so it's important to integrate activities that make the week more enjoyable.  This week's post isn't focused on revision itself but on how to still enjoy your time during exam season.

1. Exercise 

As well as the health benefits, exercise is the only time which you put everything down and focus on the movements rather than anything else. I enjoy running or hitting a workout class because it allows me to leave the house for an hour and spend some time outside in the fresh air. 

2. Eat well 

Eating well is always mentioned in health and wellness booklets at school but it truly is important to help you study, specifically by cooking food you enjoy. Whether that's spending time preparing your meal or testing out a new recipe; is another way to keep your mind off work and focuses on the act of making. 

3. Take breaks 

It's very important to make sure to take breaks in between subjects and revision. Finding the right revision tactics will help improve your results. Personally, I find working for an hour and then taking a 30-minute walk break helps my mind prepare for the next topic and revise more efficiently. 

4. Good sleeping patterns

Sleep is essential to the development of your brain. Sleep allows your mind to process everything you have revised during the day, while also letting your body rest. Make sure to get to bed early and don't spend too much time on your phone as it can get distracting and take away the time you could be sleeping. 

5. Socialise 

In this time, specifically with all the pressures of exams, it's highly vital to still socialise with friends and family. This could be, making plans with a friend each week that you can look forward to or studying in a group so that you don't feel so alone in your revision, either way, having social interactions will keep you more positive and happy.  

6. Change your environment 

Every once in and while try and change up your environment by moving to another room or spending the day in a cafe or a library. The change in location makes you feel like you are doing something with your day while still revising. 

7. Put your phone on 'silent'

This is a big factor in why you may be getting distracted or unsatisfied with your studies. The new update on the iPhone gives you options to suit your needs within working efficiently. 

There are also apps that focus on productivity, such as Flora which grows a tree every time you revise without going on your phone. 

8. Relax with a book or some television 

Rewinding at the end of the day is a great part of the routine to look forward to after a hard day of work. Don't start any shows that you might get addicted to or want to binge but something mindless and easy to watch that will keep you occupied before bed. Reading is such a great tool for distraction as well, and it's also highly educating. It can improve your writing skills when it comes to writing your exam as it subconsciously teaches you to structure essays and improves your vocabulary. 

9. Treat yourself 

Treating yourself during a time like exam season is so positive- it tells you that you are happy with yourself and all the work you have put in so far. Whether that's a coffee at a cafe or a new outfit for the summer, try and think of an act of kindness for yourself. 

10. Make future plans 

A Level summer is a summer to look forward to and is the ultimate award after all the hard work you have put into your exams. It might be planning a holiday with your friends or buying tickets to a festival- try and book something that will motivate you until the end of your exams. 

Hope this helps and good luck to anyone who has already started with your exams! 

Love, Aria 

XO