Your guide on embracing the inevitable "down" times

Let’s talk about something not enough people say during exam season: It’s okay if you’re not productive every single day.

Seriously. Even if your revision plan is colour-coded. Even if your group chat is full of people smashing 10-hour study marathons. Even if you started the day with the best intentions and ended up watching five episodes of something you’ve already seen.

It happens and it’s normal.

Your brain needs breaks

When you're revising hard, your brain is constantly processing, storing and trying to recall information. It’s working overtime, even when you don’t feel like it.

That's why you need rest days, just like your muscles after a workout. Otherwise, you hit burnout, and everything starts to feel harder – concentration, motivation, even sleeping.

So see taking a break or having an off day as maintenance.

Struggling to focus? That doesn’t mean you’re lazy

Some days, sitting down to revise feels impossible. That doesn’t make you lazy, unmotivated, or behind. It makes you like every other student!

There are so many reasons your brain might be tired:

• Stress or anxiety
• Poor sleep
• Lack of sunlight or movement
• Information overload
• Or just... life

Don’t beat yourself up for not being 100% focused all the time.

You’re allowed to enjoy yourself

This might be the most important reminder of all: you’re still allowed to be happy during exam season.

You can:

• Go for a walk with a mate
• Watch a film
• Bake banana bread at 9pm
• Dance around your room to music that makes no sense

Having fun or taking a proper break doesn’t cancel out your hard work. In fact, it helps recharge you for the next study session.

A more realistic approach

Here’s a simple checklist:

• Take guilt-free breaks
• Do less on days when your brain’s not cooperating
• Stop romanticising burnout as a badge of honour
• Listen to your body and what it needs

One slow day doesn’t define your success. Exams are a season, not your whole story.

So next time you feel guilty for not ticking everything off your to-do list, take a breath and remember: rest is productive too.

You’ve got this! One realistic day at a time.