Hi, so I am a week into GCSEs and I have found that after an exam I am often very tired however as exams are almost daily I have to revise content for the following exams so don’t have a lot of time for a relax.
Also school runs last minute revision sessions for upcoming exams that are scheduled around diff exams. With all this I am exhausted and struggle to do any work.
Any advice?
PS. I do get extra time for the exams
Really tricky. There are small details that help me when Im especially tried. One is putting everything out - clothes, breakfast cereal in bowl, literally everything - ready for the morning the night before. So when Im stumbling about in the morning, I dont have to get stressed looking for stuff etc.
Revise in lots of short bursts rather than long marathon sessions? Relax with a warm bath and a massage rather than screen time? Make sure you have good lighting on your books etc so you dont have to squint or lean forward to read? But the main thing is probably to safeguard your sleep. Go to bed earlier rather than later - sleep actually helps your brain consolidate memories of what you've read the day before. The usual 'sleep hygiene' rules apply, like having a regular bedtime routine, having a dark room, not screens in or an hour before bed etc.
Sorry Ive got no brilliant ideas. Hope you do brilliantly! x
I agree with whisperit , also be sure to eat well , drink plenty of water and wind down before you go to sleep at night. Good luck with all your exams we are supporting you 👍👍
Hi redredblue, some really good suggestions here from whisperit and weathervane - the only thing I can add is to make sure you build in time to relax and do something for a few hours at the weekends that you really enjoy doing. Completely indulge yourself! Shut your books and try and put the exams out of your mind for a period of time, whilst doing something that you love. Hopefully you will feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next week ahead. Also, if you like the taste of ginger, grate some fresh into a smoothie with some banana and honey - ginger is great for mental clarity and promotes proper brain function - all good to help with the exams. Wishing you all the very best of luck - my daughter is also doing her GCSE’s, so I can empathise xx
I'm an Aromatherapist, and a suggestion that I would give you is to try some Rosemary essential oil, it has been proven to help people with exam fatigue. Just put a few drops on a hanky and sniffing it if you feel fatigue. Good luck with your exams!
Hello redredblue
I’m sorry that I can’t add any more to the advice you’ve already had but I just wanted to say well done to you and send you my best wishes for your GCSE exams. My son is in Year 10 and has a few this term, so I can only imagine the pressure in Year 11. Over exertion, mental and physical can be a trigger for a lupus flare. So maybe prepare a timetable for your revision and exams, with much needed breaks too. Good luck to you! 🍀🤞
Good Luck with the remaining GCSEs, and if you need a 40mins nap after an exam, just do it. (Or just 40mins resting on your bed)
Yes you might loose a little revision time, but in my experience, the work you do after that 40min nap/complete rest will be better than if you didn’t recharge.
That’s what I did when I was I’ll during my A levels.
I want to tell you that you are amazing!
Please take regular breaks that involve a change of scenery, exercise ( if you can), rest, regular food (treats as well are essential during this time) and drink.
Also remember that you’d have been doing lots of revision before now so have lots of knowledge and facts ready so don’t feel guilty if you can only do a little bit (if any) especially when you’ve got days of back to back exams, a good nights sleep will refresh you and help you focus in the exam more rather than cramming.
Practically, on the day take good deep breaths, read the questions and re read before answering.
I’ll be thinking of you every day when I say goodbye to my boys as they go to school for their A’levels and GCSEs.
Hope it goes well - hang in there, soon you’ll have that fabulous long summer off!
Don’t have any suggestions to add except to agree with them - especially the taking a nap one if you have a morning and afternoon one. My twins are doing their GCSEs now too, they are tired after 2 in one day (or after the effort of an English exam which they hate! 🙄) and they don’t have a disease so rest and relax all you can. And remember they are important but they don’t define who you are or what you’ll become - there’s so much more to you than exam results. Remember how much more resilience and strength you’ve developed from fighting a disease.
Good luck xx
Thank you for all the helpful suggestions and all the luck- will definitely need it.
How have you been with your exams? I hope they’re going well and that you’re managing to balance revision, down time and rest. Really hope you can have a good half term, recharge your batteries ready for the final push. Take care x
Hi redredblue ,
How are you getting on with the exams and revision?
We have an article on our website with information, personal experiences and advice for studying if you have lupus. You may find it helpful to take a look - lupusuk.org.uk/studying-wit...
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