But guess what? You are doing enough and you deserve to look after yourself while you learn.
Studying and exams can feel like a marathon, not a sprint. The goal isn’t just to make it to the finish line — it’s to care for the person who’s running it (psst, that’s you!)
Here are some gentle ways to care for your mind, body and spirit during this time.
1. A Simple Grounding Meditation
You don’t need candles, crystals, or special music (though you can add them if you like – come see Rain if you would like some)
Just take five quiet minutes — between study sessions, before bed, or when your thoughts are racing.
Try this:
- Sit or lie down comfortably.
- Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose — count to four.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth — count to four again.
- Feel your feet on the ground or your back supported by the chair or bed.
- Notice one thing you can hear, one thing you can feel, one thing you can smell.
- Say quietly to yourself: “I’m here. I’m safe. I can do this.”
Repeat for a few minutes until your body feels calm again.
2. Move Your Body
Movement clears the fog from your brain and helps release tension. Go for a walk, stretch between study blocks, dance to your favourite song, or step outside and breathe fresh air. Even five minutes can make a big difference.
3. Take Real Breaks
Scrolling isn’t a break. (We all do it!) but try making your breaks something that refuels you:
- Sit in the sun
- Have a snack or cup of tea
- Text a friend who makes you laugh
- Listen to a song that shifts your mood
Set a timer if you need to — 10 minutes is enough to reset your focus.
4. Speak Kindly to Yourself
Notice your inner voice during study time. Would you speak that way to a friend? If not, pause and try again: “I’m learning. I’m trying. That’s enough.” Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is.
5. Rest and Recharge
Sleep is study time for your brain — it’s when everything you’ve learned settles in.
Try to keep a gentle routine:
- Step away from screens before bed
- Dim the lights (pop on those cool fairy lights you got from Kmart)
- Take three deep breaths before sleep
- Remind yourself that tomorrow is another day and another chance to try again 🙂
💛 Remember
You’re more than your grades.
You’re a whole human with creativity, humour, resilience and heart.
Take care of you — because no exam is more important than your wellbeing.
If you’re finding things hard right now, please reach out.
Talk to a friend, a teacher, mum and/or dad or pop in to Nimbin Youth — you don’t have to carry it all alone 🙂
Love NY x
