Key points
Follow our guide on how to decompress after exams and restore your mental health so you can start feeling like yourself again.
- Rest without feeling the need to be productive
- Rediscover the activities you enjoy
- Get outside and move your body
- Practice mindfulness – try deep breathing or meditation
- Reconnect with your friends and family
- Reach out for support if your stress is overwhelming
Read Time: 3 minutes
Exams are finally over, and you can finally breathe. But after weeks of intense studying, late nights and high-stress levels, it’s not always easy to relax right away. It’s normal to feel drained, anxious or even a little lost once the exam pressure is gone. If you’re feeling this way, remember that you’re not alone!
Here’s a guide on how to decompress and restore your mental health so you can start feeling like yourself again.
1. Take time to fully relax
When exams end, there’s often an urge to jump right into the next thing, whether it’s work, a new project or even planning for next semester. But allowing yourself to relax is essential for recovery.
Let yourself sleep in, binge a show you’ve been putting off or just simply: do nothing for a while. It’s okay to take a few days to unwind without feeling productive. Your mind needs time to transition out of ‘study mode.’
2. Reconnect with your hobbies
Exams can often take over your schedule, leaving little time for the things you enjoy. Now’s the time to reconnect with the hobbies you’ve had to put on hold over the last few weeks. Whether it’s painting, gaming, cooking or going to the gym, doing something just for fun can bring you a much-needed mental reset.
3. Get outside and move your body
Physical movement is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Try going for a walk, running or just stretching. Exercising, even for a short time, can lift your mood, reduce stress and help clear your mind.
Don’t forget to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, making you feel more relaxed and refreshed.
4. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Why not give some relaxation techniques a try? Deep breathing exercises, guided meditation or even yoga can help calm your mind and bring your nervous system back to a balanced state. If meditation isn’t your thing, simply practicing mindful breathing—focusing on taking deep breaths and letting go of tension—can be surprisingly effective for recharging your mind and body.
5. Reach out to your family and friends
During exams, your social life often takes a backseat. Now’s the perfect time to catch up with friends and family! Depending on your energy levels, set up a low-key hangout or a relaxed dinner with close friends. Laughing and talking with others can be incredibly therapeutic, helping you de-stress and regain a sense of normalcy.
6. Seek support if you need it
It’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions after exams. You might feel relief, burnout, anxiety or even sadness after the adrenaline of exams starts to fade. If your stress feels overwhelming, consider reaching out for support. Reach out to our Student Wellbeing Advisors or Psychology and Counselling service and speak to someone who can provide you with coping tools to help you process any lingering exam anxiety.
Post-exam recovery is all about giving yourself the time and space to relax, rediscover what makes you happy and take care of your mental health. Whether it’s reconnecting with hobbies, catching up with friends, or simply resting, there’s no wrong way to recover. The key is listening to your needs and giving yourself permission to slow down. Remember, you’ve worked hard—it’s time to take care of yourself.
