Keeping a healthy lifestyle

Find the optimal moment

Instead of worrying endlessly about dreams, set yourself a reasonable bedtime, in line with your natural sleep rhythm (when you start to wake up, eyelids heavy, go to bed). You'll be more effective if you get a good night's sleep, and get up an hour earlier to go over your worksheets and summaries.

Avoid excess

Too much coffee, smoking, alcohol or drugs are false friends, which at best will let you down just before that dreaded MCQ.

Stimulants and sedatives of all kinds: beware the damage!

They can permanently interfere with your precious little grey cells, your sleep, the control of your nerves, your emotional states. Beware of unknown, non-medically prescribed substances with glittering promises.

Learn how to relax

Comfortably seated or sitting, rub your hands together, warming them. Place them on your eyes, keeping your eyelids closed. Sit in this position for about 3 minutes and feel the warmth of your hands. You'll feel calmer and less tense.

Keep a positive attitude

You've decided to take these exams, so go ahead and give it your best shot. Give yourself a chance. Don't put yourself down, surround yourself with encouraging people, trust yourself, be tenacious and uncompromising.

Mastering breathing, yoga, relaxation and visualisation techniques

These techniques have their place in good mental preparation for the stress of exams and visions. They do, however, require a bit of prior learning and exercise. And they are easy to master and are sometimes included in a sporting context. Think about it for next year or next semester.

Get organised in advance

Finally, draw up regular work schedules throughout the semester and a schedule of reviews before exams. In this way, you'll learn to manage your time better overall, and you'll be able to arrive at the exams in a calmer frame of mind than if you'd planned everything at the last minute.

Health Home also organises relaxation workshops and stress management.