Revising During a Pandemic

A-Level and GCSE students have been ‘lucky’ enough to have their exams cancelled thanks to Boris and the government, but it is not quite the case for many university students who still have the pressure of online exams. As distance learning has become the new normal, a new way of revising is also needed whilst students adapt to living in lockdown. Here are some tips to help get the most out of staying at home with the added task of studying and revision.

The first thing you need is a schedule to structure your days. Make sure you wake up and go to bed at a sensible time to encourage your body into a routine - this will help to keep you focussed and well-rested. No matter how tempting it is, don’t stay up all night watching your new favourite Netflix season as you will be too tired to be productive the next day. Sleep is more important than you think – it helps store and solidify all that info you spent hours learning the day before, don’t waste your time. Getting washed and dressed in the morning and having a good breakfast will prepare you for the day and make you feel ready to achieve your goals, no matter how big or small they are. Who are you trying to kid by wearing jeans in lockdown? Even if you chuck on some clean trackies and your dad’s oversized jumper at least you are now ready for the day. Setting goals and having lists can encourage you to be productive and feel accomplished after a day of work.

The new government laws and regulations may mean you’ve had to move back home after spending the last year or more being independent, spending most evenings at the pub and eating pizza at 3 am. You might have screaming younger siblings who are always hungry, or parents who constantly want tech help with their out of date iPhone - that’s why it is best to try and get time and space to yourself when you revise. Whether that is in your bedroom or if you are lucky enough to have a spare room or study at home make good use of it. Make sure the space you are working in is tidy and organised, the phrase ‘tidy room, tidy mind’ is honestly true. Shut out the world for a while. That takes us onto the next tip - put your phone away! Phones are the biggest distraction in modern times. It can be easy to slip into sitting and swiping right on dating apps for hours on end when you’re meant to be focussing - everyone’s been there! Try downloading an app which locks your phone for a time of your choice so you can’t use it until your revision session is done.

A tip to help with your focus which is becoming more commonly used by university students is the use of CBD products. CBD infused products can help reduce anxiety, which right now is probably more important than ever. Some of the other main benefits of CBD are promoting positivity and increasing focus which is extremely important for a stressful time such as trying to revise during a worldwide pandemic. CBD products can help students to concentrate more on their work and by encouraging a positive mindset can help increase motivation as you will be more confident in yourself and your progress. The best thing about CBD products is that it comes in multiple forms - why not try CBD infused gummy bears as your revision snack of choice. Don’t get stuck into the habit of making those TikTok whisked coffees and forgetting to eat for the rest of the day. Food is fuel for the brain and it is vital for increasing productivity so why not try some CDB gummies next time to keep you going through the day.

The last tip today is why not try a new method of revision that is currently being researched by scientists – if you sleep with your revision notes under your pillow you can revise by osmosis. You’ll wake up knowing everything you need to know, probably. Don’t be shy – let us know if it works.

Don’t forget that breaks are a vital part of effective revision as your brain needs time to rest and unwind as well. Don’t push yourself too hard, the world is a bit of a mess at the moment and you are doing the best you can! Hopefully, this has given you some useful tips for how to revise in this weird world we find ourselves in. Stay safe!