24 Mar 2021

I had mates basically ripping their hair out, losing their appetite and refusing to sleep from stress in year 12. They were felt guilty when they weren't studying, their worlds completely revolving around study notes and textbooks.

But I'm here to let you in on a lil' secret. Balance baby. 50/50. Yin and Yang. 

Sure, I studied, but I spent a hell of a lot of time not studying as well. I was stoked with my half-yearly marks.

Here are five things I did other than study for my half-yearly exams. I regret nothing.

 

 1. Work

My post-school plan was pretty in the air. The only solid goal was that I wanted to move out of home, thus, needing to save dosh for eventual bonds, rent and bills.

That's where my hospo job came in. Not only was I making bank, but I was also isolated from the frazzled, high school energy. I wasn't reading frantic messages from mates; "did you know that this topic is gonna be in the exam!!??" or "have you read these notes yet?!"

I wasn't thinking about studying or exams. I was distracted by the workplace banter, and I loved it.

2. Write

I've always wanted to be a writer, therefore continuing to hone in on my passion felt like a no-brainer. I committed to writing for about an hour each day and the exam period was no exception. I mean, writing makes me feel UNREAL. It boosted me with inspiration and released that sweet serotonin making me feel productive. Thus, when diving into my studies, vibes were high and I had writing to look forward to.

3. Exercise

I hate to be that guy, but exercise is good for you.

I didn't lift weights in the gym or go for a 20km run and you don't have to either. I just moved my bod for fun. I'd take my dogs for a walk whilst listening to a funny podcast. I'd boogie like there was no tomorrow to bangers in the living room, cranking the volume so high that the windows shook. I'd go to a yoga class and zen out. I'd go for a surf and only stand up a few times because I'm an awful surfer, but hey it made me feel good. And getting sweaty before a study sesh just got me in the right mood tbh.

4. Socialise

I still went on Maccas runs with mates. I still had beach days and movie nights. I still played goon of fortune at parties. I'm the epitome of extroverts and there's no way you could separate me from other people for too long. 

You still deserve to have fun during exam periods. That's all I'll say.

5. Vibe

What do you do when you want to vibe out? Play some guitar? Go for a long drive? Watch a movie? Paint? DJ? Play video games?

For me, I loved to commit to studying for an hour or two, and then break up the sesh with a good book in a funky location (ie. cafe, beach, park, bush) and just vibe the heck out. 

Find what's right for you. If it's no study, good for you. If it's one hour study and the remainder vibing out, good for you. Just make sure you balance it the way you want to balance it. It doesn't have to be an even 50/50 split - do it your way.