Studying for comps or qualifying exams can be very mentally (and yes, even physically) demanding. To do your best you need to be at your best, so you must take care of your health. This means eating foods that serve your body well, moving your body to counteract all of the sedentary time spent reading and writing, resting when needed, and having a strong support system.
As I studied for my qualifying exams I made sure to exercise and cook healthy meals for myself. I didn’t want my body to give way on me. Consider it maintenance. Aside from the physical benefits of exercising and eating well, taking care of my body also makes me mentally feel good. I know that I’m treating my body well which makes me happy. I’m sure you know that health also encompasses mental wellbeing so this was really important.
Your mental health is particularly vulnerable when you’re studying for comprehensive and qualifying exams. You may often find yourself alone, which can be isolating. It’s important to have a support system in place to help counteract these feelings. Aside from family and friends, also consider talking to a licensed therapist who can help you work through any severe or prolonged emotions you may be experiencing.
As I studied for my exams I took time to connect with/vent to my support system. Some days are going to be harder than others. There may be a concept you’re struggling with understanding or a practice writing session that didn’t go as planned. When these days pop up it’s good to already have a support system in place who can cheer you on and offer encouragement.
Aside from connecting with my support systems, I also scheduled little activities to boost my mood like getting manicures and trying out new restaurants. Before you dismiss these as frivolous activities, let me tell you, burnout is real. If you’re not taking time to have fun and rest then your study sessions can quickly become less productive because you’re not retaining the material you’ve studied. Then, what good are they?
Go see a movie, visit a museum, or jump at a trampoline park. Have fun. Get some sun (use sunscreen though!). Live your life. Don’t press pause on life or taking care of yourself mentally, physically, or spiritually because of these exams. You don’t want to have to add any of these things to the list of things you had to sacrifice in order to get your degree.
And if you’re looking for tips on how to go about making time for these activities, then the Crush Comps Guide + Toolkit offers some great resources to help you. In it I included 14 recipes for lunches, dinners, and snacks. I also included 10 healthy grab and go breakfast ideas, a list of 50 healthier snacks to fuel your study sessions, and some stretches to do during your study breaks to break up sedentary time.
Do you have tips on how you manage to balance health and grad school or health and a busy career? Let me know below!
And since several of you asked, you can find the shoes here. I promise I’ll do better at this whole style blogger thing and including outfit details:)
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