Stress is normal for bar exam prep. If you turn up to the bar exam, have studied hard, focus your time on the importance of passing this exam, and that leads to stress.
It’s easy to be concerned about passing something so high-stakes. It’s normal to feel that.
You need to do the exam to get to the future you want. However, there are ways you can manage stress during bar exam prep. Read on for tips on tackling exam stress and staying on top of bar exam prep.
Table of Contents
1. Create a Study Schedule
By giving your study plan a structure, you can keep track of your progress and see where you need to focus more. Start by planning how long it will take to reach your Bar Exam goals. Spread your studying throughout the day, and schedule breaks at certain times. Try to be disciplined and stick to your schedule.
Find a study partner and hold each other accountable for your goals. This is another great way to improve your focus. Also, be kind to yourself and ensure you’re doing things that make you happy and help keep your life balanced. It would help to treat your study schedule as a living document to ensure you are following the best ways to deal with your stress.
2. Stay Active
Exercise helps you be more clear-headed and focused, lessens stress, and improves mental health. Studies have also shown that physical activity helps lower stress hormones like cortisol and protects the hippocampus, a part of the brain that helps with memory and learning.
Also, taking a break from studying to do something physical takes our minds off the stressful subject. It gives us a new way of looking at our studies when we return to them. Low-impact exercises like walking or swimming have helped people deal with stress the most while studying for the bar exam.
3. Take Breaks
Even though studying for the bar exam is important, taking breaks can help you avoid burnout and live healthier lives. Whether you take a break from studying to go for a walk or rest for a few minutes to clear your mind, every little break can help you deal with stress in a big way.
Giving your mind and body a break can also help you study better when you return to it and keep you from feeling too overwhelmed. Breaks don’t have to be long.
A 10-minute break can help you clear your mind and return to work. By taking breaks and making time for yourself, you can reduce stress and prepare for the bar exam in a more balanced way.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep helps us think about what we’ve learned and prepares us for the next challenge. Sticking to a schedule while studying is important to get enough rest.
For every hour you study, do something relaxing like stretching, yoga, or meditation for 15 minutes to help your mind stay clear and focused. Turn off your phone and tablet for the night before bed to avoid distractions like blue light. Lastly, don’t drink caffeine late at night because it’s a stimulant, making it harder to fall asleep.
Instead of scrolling through your phone when you can’t fall asleep, try reading bar exam prep books or writing down your thoughts in a journal. Good sleep gives your body and minds the rest they need to deal with the stress of studying for the bar exam.
5. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Taking a few minutes a day to practice deep breathing or mindfulness can help relieve stress and improve your ability to concentrate. Other ways to relax, like yoga, visualizing, or guided imagery, can help reduce stress, improve focus, and get things back under control.
Taking a few minutes to care for yourself can also be helpful. Self-care could be things like getting a massage, meditating, walking in the park, listening to music, or writing in a journal. Taking planned breaks and practicing relaxation techniques can help you deal with stress while studying for the bar exam.
6. Stay Connected
To deal with stress while studying for the bar exam, it’s important to stay in touch with people. Setting up meaningful relationships with peers, colleagues, or mentors can give you a sense of community and support while studying.
Keeping an active and healthy schedule with regular exercise, healthy food, and rest will help you deal with stress and stay emotionally connected. Connecting with nature by hiking, gardening, or just walking outside can help you feel less stressed and more energized.
Getting together with family and friends can give you a much-needed break from studying and may even help you see things more clearly. Lastly, social media can be another way to stay in touch with the rest of the world while studying for the bar exam. Just limit how much time you spend online and most of your time online talking to people in person.
7. Seek Help
Getting help can help reduce stress, whether by taking an online bar exam prep course or joining a study group. Working with others can make you feel like you’re part of a group and accountable, which can be very empowering.
Finding a mentor or an online tutor can also give you knowledge and support that can be very helpful as you prepare for the bar exam. Getting feedback can help you figure out where you need to improve and where you’re doing well, and being able to ask questions can make studying for the bar exam less stressful.
Lastly, it is important to use the available bar exam resources. These resources may include online study materials, practice bar exam questions and exams, tutoring, private coaching, and other online services. When used correctly, these resources can help you feel less stressed and give you structure, focus, and direction for the bar exam.
Take the Stress Out of Bar Exam Prep
Overall, bar exam prep can be a stressful process. Taking breaks, building an organized study plan, and seeking out support from peers can be beneficial in managing stress. When in doubt, remember to breathe and remember why you’re taking the test in the first place.
Remember to seek help from a professional if the stress gets too overwhelming. Make the most of your time, practice bar exam sample questions, stay positive, and reach out to those who can help you succeed. Good luck!
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