Learning How to Learn: Smarter Study Hacks for Exam Season

Don’t Ghost Your Mental Health: Why Taking Breaks Makes You Stronger

October 28, 2025

Exam season in Hatfield is intense.

The library’s packed, the coffee shops are buzzing, and every second person you bump into is stressing about past papers. 😵‍💫 But here’s the thing: pushing yourself to the point of burnout isn’t actually helping you. Your brain (and your vibe) need breaks: real ones.

Breaks = Brain Power ⚡

Think of your brain like a phone battery. 📱 If you keep running apps (aka endless studying) without charging, eventually it just… dies. Short, intentional breaks — even 10 minutes to stretch or make tea,  recharge your focus so you don’t crash mid-exam prep.

Quality > Quantity 🌱

Scrolling TikTok for “five minutes” (we all know that’s code for 45) isn’t the break your brain deserves. Try breaks that actually refresh you:

  • A quick walk around The Fields courtyard 🚶‍♀️
  • Jamming to your favourite amapiano track 🎶
  • Power nap (set that alarm!) 😴
  • Phone-free snack break 🥑

Social Support Matters 👯

Don’t ghost your friends either. Chatting to your squad or doing a group study sesh can ease the pressure. Even a 15-minute gossip break in the kitchen can reset your mood. Exams are tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Your Mental Health > One More Page

Remember: you’re not a machine. Anxiety and stress are normal, but ignoring them only makes things harder. Prioritising your mental health during exam season isn’t “lazy,” it’s literally how you show up at 100% when it counts. 💪

Helpful Resources

SADAG Student Line – 0800 121 314

UP Care line (24H) – 0800 747 747

UP Care line: WhatsApp – 060 047 0000

If you just need someone to chat to during a study break, Pontsho is here for you. You can find her around The Fields or reach out via email at fieldsstudentwellness@cityprop.co.za or call 012 357 1477.

Exams come and go, but your mental health sticks with you. So this season, take those breaks, recharge properly, and don’t ghost the part of you that needs care. Stronger minds make stronger results. You got this, fam! 🚀

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