Maintain your wellbeing during exams

Laura Henshaw is the CEO and co-founder of Kic, a global health and wellness app focusing on mindfulness, nutrition and movement.

As a graduate of La Trobe University, having completed a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Business, Laura understands the stresses of Year 12 and exams in general.

Move intuitively, rest when needed

Studying for exams can become all-consuming, but it’s really important that you prioritise your wellbeing and make time for movement to help give your mind a rest from study, so you can come back to your desk feeling energised and refocused.

Whether this is a gentle walk, yoga, stretching or a workout, movement helps us boost ‘happy chemicals’ in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. Even micro-doses of movement can deliver a noticeable boost in how you feel!

If your mind and body is showing signs of fatigue and tiredness, give yourself permission to rest and recharge.

Spend time outdoors

When you can, prioritise getting some fresh air. Spending time in nature has been shown to boost mood and lift energy levels.

Schedule in moments in your day to get some vitamin D, while you enjoy a coffee or study break, or go for a stroll with your pet or a friend. Your mood and energy levels will thank you for it.

Consider a digital detox

What we consume online can influence how we feel offline. If your feed is making you feel flat, consider hitting unfollow or mute.

Reducing your social media screen time can refresh the mind while refining the content you consume to something more positive and encouraging can help your mood and self-esteem.

Social media use can also impact our attention spans and ability to focus, which is incredibly important during exam period - so it is a great time to take a break from it for a period of time that works for you. You will be amazed at the impact on your ability to focus for longer periods of time.

Connect with friends and loved ones

If your energy or mood is running low, reaching out to others might be the last thing you want to do, but a quick text or call with a friend or family member can make all the difference.

It’s also a great way to check in with friends that may be struggling during the exam period and you can offer a safe space to talk.

Inject joy into your day

Joy is fuel. Balance your study time with things you love – whether it’s baking, reading, cooking a nourishing meal, drawing, a short meditation or a long run to clear your mind.

Fuel your body, look after your mental health and listen to your emotions.

Remember: your future won’t be defined by exam results

At the end of the day, your wellbeing should always come first. If you feel like you’re overwhelmed or struggling, reach out for help and remember, whatever happens during an exam period will not define your life.

There are many different ways to achieve your goals, and often the most unexpected outcomes open the door to new and exciting opportunities.

About Laura Henshaw

Now a businesswoman and entrepreneur, Laura’s career trajectory took a turn nearly a decade ago.

An e-book project with her best friend and Kic co-founder, Steph, grew into a global wellness platform with more than 850,000 app downloads and a community of more than two million people.

The Kic app is home to over 1000 workouts, 900 recipes and more than 100 mindfulness classes. As a passionate advocate for sustainable wellbeing, Laura uses her platform to champion a more inclusive and holistic approach to wellness.

In 2022, Laura was awarded the La Trobe University Young Achiever Award.

The Young Achiever Award recognises outstanding alumni aged 35 years or younger and is awarded to those who have achieved significant career success within a relatively short period of time.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore our Year 12 Hub for everything you need – from course pathways to support resources.

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