Eight tips for surviving the Leaving Cert

Look, we know it’s easy for those of us not actually doing exams to give well-meaning but perhaps unhelpful advice - the Leaving Cert is but a distant memory (except for those nightmares).

The annual #leavingcert dreams have started. Even though I did mine 16 years ago.

— Lorna Claire Weightman (@styleisleIRL) June 3, 2016

You probably are going to have to cram a bit and you’re almost definitely going to stress, but there are things you can do to make the next few weeks a bit more bearable

Find your quiet place

Studying at home can be rife with distractions - as this Foil Arms and Hog sketch expertly summed up.

From Mammy’s hovering to dad’s unsolicited words of wisdom - not to mention siblings - it can be hard to concentrate.

Get those cheap earplugs in the chemist, firmly ask everyone not to come in for a certain period of time and set yourself a reasonable goal of what you want to get done in the allotted time.

Then go down for a cup of tea, give your mam an update and head back.

You are what you eat

Do try and eat regular, well-balanced meals and consider taking multivitamins - we’re not sure if copious amounts of fish oils actually do anything but sure it couldn’t hurt.

And drink water! Energy drinks may seem appealing but could mess up your sleep which brings us on to…

Sleep

Make sure to get enough sleep - it’s hard enough to maintain concentration without nodding off at your desk! Have a bath or a shower in order to relax before bedtime and try not to study in bed as the brain will become over-stimulated.

Make a study plan

You probably already have some variation on this but no harm to revisit and be realistic about what you can achieve. With your timetable in mind, prioritise those coming up first. And keep to your routine, getting up at the same time and studying consistently.

Go outside

Studying outside can work for some, for most, it’s probably a bit too distracting but it will do you good to get out of your darkened room, even for a ten minute walk around the block. Soak up some sun while you can!

Treat yourself

In the immortal words of Tom and Donna from Parks and Rec, don’t forget to ’treat-yo-self’.

Give yourself a reward at the end of the day - whether it be a dessert or half hour of your favourite show. It will give you something to look forward to and will take your mind off study for a little bit.

Remember why you’re doing this

It’s easy to lose sight of what you’re working towards - the course you want, a sense of achievement - even the simple desire to not have to repeat. If you find yourself unmotivated, remind yourself what the end goal is - and that it will all be over soon enough.

If none of us actually go to the exam centre, would they cancel the leaving cert? #leavingcert

— Lúcás (con chisme) (@quaregay) June 2, 2016

Mind yourself

You’re working hard and sometimes your health can take a bit of a hit during the Leaving so do take care of yourself.

The Irish Pharmacy Union has this advice:

"Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Study in a well-ventilated room and take regular breaks.

"Use inhalers as advised by your pharmacist. Preventative inhalers should be used regularly. Carry an inhaler with you at all times so that it can be used during an exam, if required.

"If you suffer with hay fever, keep doors and windows closed when studying and avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is at its highest. Students who need to take antihistamines should make sure to take tablets that don’t cause drowsiness."

Good luck! See you on the other side.

H/T: breakingnews.ie