Wellbeing activities for exam season
What is our wellbeing and how do we look after it? Isabel Sheppard finds out more.
Sometimes the stress and pressure can just feel overwhelming. That’s where prioritising your own wellbeing comes in.
Wellbeing is an awareness of how you feel both physically and emotionally. Everyone is affected differently by strong emotions such as anger, anxiety or sadness. Some people react by distancing themselves from people who want to help, whilst others are affected more physically. There are several ways to deal with negative emotions and mindsets, which can also help with problems such as tiredness. Here are some of my favourites.
Meditation. When people hear the word, they usually imagine awkward positions and wind chimes. However, the reality is very different. In fact, you could meditate in class or on the bus (it might be a challenge but it is possible!). Put simply, mediation is when you focus on your breathing and the physical sensations you are feeling. One approach to this could be to imagine a scene where you are calm – like a stream in a forest, for example. Or you could just focus on your breathing: inhaling and exhaling. Both of these techniques can help you to let go of any built up tension and feel more calm and grounded.
Another good wellbeing activity is journaling or writing a diary. It could be in a book or digital, either way, just grab a pen (or bring up your keyboard) and start writing about whatever is on your mind. It can be totally random – start writing about how your pet reacted to that cyclist who wore a neon green coat that went past your house this morning. Or maybe how you went shopping with your mum and she spotted an old school friend and chatted with them for hours. It can be anything! Once you start, you’ll probably find that you can’t stop because you have so much to write. Jotting these thoughts and feelings down can even help give you the confidence to talk to someone who can help you with rationalising your worries.
If you aren’t a fan of writing, then perhaps try doodling. Same idea, just with pictures and quick sketches instead of words to explain how you’re feeling. You don’t even have to worry about what it will look like because, unless you decide to show it to someone, no one except you will ever see it! Try using colour and experimenting with what you draw with – you might even end up with a picture you love. Just try spilling your thoughts and feelings onto the page.
Listening to music can be another great way to unwind, whether you're singing your heart out to your favourite tunes or just letting the music wash over you.
Finally, for those who have patience, organising. Seems crazy, right? Trust me, it isn’t as insane as it sounds. You could organise books on a shelf or moving buttons from one tray to another and back. It may sound a little strange but many people find the repetitive action therapeutic. Try it and you might find yourself falling into a relaxing rhythm.
I hope that these tips help you to stay calm during this exam season. If you need more inspiration, there are plenty of ideas online. You might be surprised by what you enjoy!
Isabel Sheppard, Y9
Sometimes the stress and pressure can just feel overwhelming. That’s where prioritising your own wellbeing comes in.
Wellbeing is an awareness of how you feel both physically and emotionally. Everyone is affected differently by strong emotions such as anger, anxiety or sadness. Some people react by distancing themselves from people who want to help, whilst others are affected more physically. There are several ways to deal with negative emotions and mindsets, which can also help with problems such as tiredness. Here are some of my favourites.
Meditation. When people hear the word, they usually imagine awkward positions and wind chimes. However, the reality is very different. In fact, you could meditate in class or on the bus (it might be a challenge but it is possible!). Put simply, mediation is when you focus on your breathing and the physical sensations you are feeling. One approach to this could be to imagine a scene where you are calm – like a stream in a forest, for example. Or you could just focus on your breathing: inhaling and exhaling. Both of these techniques can help you to let go of any built up tension and feel more calm and grounded.
Another good wellbeing activity is journaling or writing a diary. It could be in a book or digital, either way, just grab a pen (or bring up your keyboard) and start writing about whatever is on your mind. It can be totally random – start writing about how your pet reacted to that cyclist who wore a neon green coat that went past your house this morning. Or maybe how you went shopping with your mum and she spotted an old school friend and chatted with them for hours. It can be anything! Once you start, you’ll probably find that you can’t stop because you have so much to write. Jotting these thoughts and feelings down can even help give you the confidence to talk to someone who can help you with rationalising your worries.
If you aren’t a fan of writing, then perhaps try doodling. Same idea, just with pictures and quick sketches instead of words to explain how you’re feeling. You don’t even have to worry about what it will look like because, unless you decide to show it to someone, no one except you will ever see it! Try using colour and experimenting with what you draw with – you might even end up with a picture you love. Just try spilling your thoughts and feelings onto the page.
Listening to music can be another great way to unwind, whether you're singing your heart out to your favourite tunes or just letting the music wash over you.
Finally, for those who have patience, organising. Seems crazy, right? Trust me, it isn’t as insane as it sounds. You could organise books on a shelf or moving buttons from one tray to another and back. It may sound a little strange but many people find the repetitive action therapeutic. Try it and you might find yourself falling into a relaxing rhythm.
I hope that these tips help you to stay calm during this exam season. If you need more inspiration, there are plenty of ideas online. You might be surprised by what you enjoy!
Isabel Sheppard, Y9