5 ways to revise more efficiently

Fellow students, I feel your pain. The time of non-stop revision and living on coffee has come. However I know how difficult it can be to really concentrate on learning whatever it is you need to know. This is coming from the queen of distraction.... I'd literally do anything rather than revision. But it has to be done, so here are my top 5 tips to step up your revision game.

1) Turn your mobile off
Seems obvious? My phone is probably the biggest distraction ever, I could spend hours watching Youtube, chatting to people on Twitter or stalking Instagram. So if I really want to revise without being disturbed, I have to turn off my phone. I really recommend it to anyone who has the same problem. And if you keep turning it on again, put it somewhere out of reach or even 'hide' it from yourself! Seems a bit over the top but I know enough people who need that.

2) Set yourself a goal
Plan your day and set yourself a goal, e.g. I am going to complete 2 past papers in Maths today and revise the key terms for Chemistry. If you plan out what you want to get finished, you are more likely to actually do it as otherwise you will feel disappointed in yourself.

3) Get used to a certain revision routine
This is extremely important if you have study leave! Get used to revising at certain times as it stops you from watching just 'one more' episode on Netflix. Also it really helps getting up early, as it sets you off for a productive start rather than sleeping in till 12 (which is sometimes necessary, I get it). Try sticking to your normal college/school time table as you are accustomed to learning at these times.

4) Take a break
Give yourself a break every now and then. After an hour of hardcore revision (personally) my brain needs a break. Go for a walk, open the windows or have a chat with someone nearby. It helps you relax a bit, so when you go back to revision, you will be able to concentrate better.

5) Drink plenty of water
Last but not least - water. Yes, I know you've heard it all before and all you want to drink is coffee. I am guilty of doing exactly that. However too much coffee can be unhealthy and will not have the desired effect. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and you will be able to remember a lot more. There is even a study that says drinking plenty of water helps alleviate exam anxiety. What are you waiting for?


Finally I can only stress that everyone revises differently and I am not saying that you have to do any of these things. They have helped me revise more successful, but maybe they just aren't for you (although the water one should apply to everyone). I wish you the best of luck with your exams, keep your eyes on the price ;) Love ya.

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5 ways to de-stress

I am a pro in stressing about everything. As a perfectionist I always need to give 300% - but to what price? The stress completely takes over my life, my skin gets worse, I cry at every little thing and I don't have time for my friends anymore. But is it really worth it? Whatever you are worried about right now - is it really worth all that stress? A perfect example is way back when I did my GCSE's. I thought they were the most important thing in the world and let them take over my life. Turns out, they aren't the most important thing in life. I am not saying that you shouldn't revise for them or stress a little bit, but don't let it break you! I really regret stressing the amount I did instead of enjoying life a bit more.

Right now I am stressing again, college exams are coming closer and I know a lot of people are in the same position. So I thought of 5 things that could help people like me return to a normal human being instead of a walking time bomb.

1) Get outside
This seriously works wonders. Especially if you are revising for exams, being locked in a room for the whole day can completely poison your mind and you start to loose connection to reality. It is important to get outside and realise that life goes on and doesn't only circle around your exams. Just a ten minute walk or jog in a green space can help you reflect and get some fresh energy. It also distracts you from the continuous circle of stress that has taken over your life and gives you that well needed break. Seriously, stepping into fresh air makes life seem so much better than in your sticky room!

2) Put on some music
When I revise, there needs to be complete silence. The disadvantage: the silence gives me more space in my head for stress. So when you start to hyperventilate because you feel like it is all just getting too much, put on some kitschy oldie and turn up the volume! There are several studies proving the positive effects of music, so prevent a burn out and play that Taylor Swift song (no shame - you all secretly sing her songs).

3) Keep up a hobby
Yes, you desperately need all the time you have to revise or finish your work. However you should also have some fun every now and then. I'm sure you all have something you really enjoy, so don't neglect it in a stressful phase. That is when you need it most. Don't have a hobby? Try something new! I recommend dance immensely as it really helps you to let out all your emotions, but really anything that helps you relax and takes your mind off whatever stresses you is great. Again studies show that exercise helps boost endorphins so just go for it. Maybe you are secretly amazing at toe wrestling ;) (it exists, look it up!).

4) Eat good food
We all tend to crave unhealthy foods when we feel stressed, chocolate, crisps, cookies - I'll have it all. But instead of indulging in snacks that only make you feel worse, try some mood-boosting foods. They don't exist? Wrong. Bananas, DARK chocolate, fish, coconut and last but by no means least tea (green does wonders!) all help lift your spirits and don't weigh you down. The last thing you need when your mind is feeling heavy is a bloated stomach.

5) Watch a really sad movie
Sounds weird? It is. But believe me with this one - it works. All the piled up emotions add to your stress. Not letting them out can be very harmful so what better way than crying your heart out at the sad heartbreak story of a strong independent woman is there? Even for the guys out there, I know you all cried at 'Remember me'. Honestly, it is even scientifically proven that seeing other people's problems and thinking of positive ways out of them (which we automatically do while watching a movie) can be beneficial when dealing with our own problems. Sounds logical, right?


There's lots more tips and I might need to write another post like this when exams are knocking on the door. All of these things honestly help me, so I hope they do the same for you! Don't forget who you are and that whatever stresses you out won't be the end of the world. In the end, all that matters is that you don't forget about yourself and treat yourself with respect. You only get this life, don't spend it ruining yourself!

Good luck and tons of love!

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