Tips and advice on fighting stress caused by the exam period How can we avoid rushing, overloading, and tension during the holiday season?
For many, the month of December is about love, intimacy, and family. The glow of Christmas lights, the hustle for gifts, and the scent of mulled wine captivate the soul. While most people focus on family gatherings and presents during this time, for university students, December also marks the beginning of the exam period – a time often accompanied by the combined pressure of holiday preparations and studying. How can we maintain a balance between obligations and relaxation? In the following, I’ll share some practical tips to help with this.
Why can holiday and exam season be a challenge? During this period, overlapping expectations – whether related to academic performance or family obligations – often lead to stress. A packed schedule, looming deadlines, and the desire to create the "perfect holiday" can generate tension. As a result of stress, your concentration may decrease, and you may feel more easily exhausted, which can make completing your tasks even more complicated. How can you recognise the signs of stress? Excessive irritability or emotional exhaustion A sense of time scarcity and rushing Difficulties focusing on studying Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach issues Increased fatigue or sleep problems It's good to know that these symptoms can be frequent during this period, but they don't have to become permanent. You can improve your well-being significantly by using some effective stress management techniques! Tips on alleviating stress and improving time management Set boundaries: During the holidays, we might feel like we need to appeal to everyone: family, friends, teachers – and, of course, ourselves. This, however, can quickly lead to feeling overburdened. You don't have to attend every Christmas party, and it's okay if you miss out on a few events so that you can have time for studying and resting. Plan and prioritise: Create a detailed daily schedule containing the to-dos for both studying and the holiday preparations. Decide which tasks are the most important and start with those. Spare the smaller, less important tasks for later. Take regular breaks: Schedule short breaks during studying and holiday preparations to recharge. A short walk or a few minutes of relaxation can do miracles. Even some light exercise or yoga can raise your energy levels and alleviate your stress. Realistic expectations for the holiday season: Don't try to achieve perfection! The point of holidays is connecting with loved ones and resting. Let go of expectations that put extra pressure on you. Simpler gifts and programs can be just as meaningful. Digital detox: Smartphones and social media greatly contribute to stress. Turn off notifications, and spend less time scrolling on Instagram. The holidays are about togetherness – try to tune out the digital noise and focus more on personal connections. Healthy lifestyle: Despite the holiday feasts and snacking during study sessions, try to maintain a varied and nutritious diet. Getting enough sleep and staying hydrated are also essential for reducing stress. Seeking help and nurturing relationships: If you feel overwhelmed by your tasks, don't hesitate to ask for help from those around you. Family members or friends can support you by taking on a task or simply having a conversation that helps ease your tension. The holiday season and exam period can be stressful, but they don’t have to be exhausting. Don't forget: the most important thing is to take care of yourself and enjoy the journey that the end of the year has in store for you! Translated by: Zoé Eötvös Illustration: Zsófia KakusziWith proper planning and self-care, both can be enjoyable if we strive to maintain a healthy balance between responsibilities and relaxation.
