From Stress to Success: Tips, Tricks and More

Random thought though: Who invented exams, really? Can’t we just learn and accept that we’ve known it?🥲

Why, hello there!

I am Aisha Kolade, Zainab’s partner-in-crime co-writer for this year’s ACS newsletter. Apologies for dragging our meeting on. 🥺

We’ve all had a wild ride lately, I know. From exams, to Ramadan, and a whole lot more. Dear friend, you’ve tried, and you deserve a standing ovation!👏🏾

Exams are like a student’s nightmare. It’s so draining and stressful, and it takes a generous amount of time to fully recuperate. Do you know how I have always overcome this nightmare?

Here are my special tips on how to have sweet dreams amidst the exam brouhaha:

1. Ensure Self-care

   Self-care doesn’t only mean bathing to the exam hall, naaah! It’s taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and all the “-ly”. Self-care requires you to carry out certain actions so that you won’t look like your problems.

• Eating a balanced diet and fruits, exercising, and drinking lots of water can do a lot. If you add like 6 - 7 hours of sleep, you’ll just be glowing. 😁

• Be considerate of yourself, especially by saying nice and encouraging words to yourself.

2. Break It Down Into Bits

Rome wasn’t built in a day, likewise, you can’t cover the course outline in a day. Having too much to read gives me a migraine, maybe it does to you too, maybe. Hence, break your studying into bits. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you take it one step at a time.

• Write out the topics and take them one after the other. You can start with week 1, jump to 9, and go back to 2, until you cover. But the goal? You must cover!

• Give more time to parts the lecturer hammered on, but don’t leave any stones unturned.

• Know a little about all topics and focus on progress, not perfection.

• Coming up with likely questions and solving them can also help you study effectively.

3. Rest, Relax and Recharge

   Your brain is not a machine, although sometimes it feels like it is, right?🫠

   But, in reality, it isn’t — so, take breaks while reading. Use the Pomodoro technique, schedule your reading and give yourself a chance to recharge. It will definitely thank you later.

   Resting will ensure that your brain keeps on working and doesn’t fail you in the exam hall. An exam is just another phase in life. Give it your best, leave the rest to God and maintain your steeze. 🙂‍↕️

Got more tips? Let’s learn them from you.

Now, for something sweet! 😋

I once believed in the myth that certain opportunities were for scholars, but I have come to realize that, low-key, we are all scholars. We strive to seek knowledge, give our best to attain academic excellence while burning late night candles (I mean, what else makes a scholar apart from these? 😌)

A door of opportunity has been provided for you to consolidate your amazing efforts: The ACS Scholarship!

The Academic Counseling Seminar Scholarship is an initiative that seeks to help indigent students and unlock the potential of scholars like you, my friend. This year, the ACS Scholarship is looking forward to helping students across various institutions in Lagos State. Interested students should keep an eye out for this opportunity, as the official announcement will be out soon. You definitely won’t want to miss it!

From me to you: If you come across a scholarship that you are eligible for, click on the link, apply and show your scholarly power. Most times, it’s all in our heads as to whether we can do things or not and this puts our mental wellbeing at stake.

I know how tasky it is to already pursue excellence in life or having to jumble a lot of things and work like a robot, which you aren’t, especially in your academics. That’s why I have the same question as you: “How do I counter-balance all aspects of my life while ensuring success?”

I got information from the ACS headquarters. Let me share it with you as per you are my buddy (and of course, you are allowed to tell another buddy!) 😉

The ACS team has decided to create a synergy between academics and mental wellbeing. I heard that experienced individuals will be invited to provide answers to this bothersome question.

For starters, join us for an X Space this Saturday, 12th of April, 2025 by 4:30pm, as we discuss practical ways to de-stress during academic breakdowns. Here's an opportunity to "Unclutter Your Mind"!

Unclutter Your Mind: A Practical Reset for Stressed-Out Students

Stay glued to our socials for updates and get ready to learn how to tackle it like a pro!