With the end of the semester and exams approaching, we thought it would be helpful to share a few tips that we have found helpful. It’s worth adding that while we’re excellent law tutors, we aren’t psychologists. These tips are just what we’ve found helpful and would recommend.

1.) Tactical Breathing

This is just like deep breathing, except it’s way better. Tactical breathing involves breathing from the stomach/belly, rather than the chest. This has been shown to help you relax. When you practice this, put one hand on your chest, and one on your stomach. As you breath in and out, try to make sure that the hand on your chest doesn’t move. Only move the hand on your stomach. Being relaxed (especially in an exam) is super important, it may also help us access memories (i.e., the course content!!)

2.) Careful Preparation

Pilots have an old saying that “in an emergency, you don’t rise to the occasion — you sink to the level of your training.” This holds true for students too. Everyone is liable to the occasional mind-blank in an exam and anyone can be caught out by a curly question. Our chances to prepare start now. Preparing with the practice questions that you don’t like is best, these are the ones that will turn up in the exam. What’s more, just knowing the content can carry you a long way on the day. Knowing you’re prepared may help to ease your mind as exams approach.

3.) Get outdoors

Breaks are good. Outdoor breaks are even better. It’s important to punctuate study with a bit of fresh air. Don’t underestimate the power of a brain break either! There’s also a lot to be said for physical exercise, again, outside is best. And going for a run in a bushy area is better than exercising in a city street when it comes to helping us relax.