Surviving Finals: Practical Tips for Student Success and Well-being
By Makeida Antonio
The exam period is usually marked by increased stress levels, reduced sleep, poor diet and social pressure to excel. To achieve one’s goals, good coping strategies must be implemented with mental wellness in mind. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. That’s something I heard repeatedly throughout my education and it’s true. Not only will you lack important information for the exam, but you will also experience negative psychological effects.
It must be noted, however, that according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, basic needs must be satisfied before achieving the level of one’s highest self. This highlights the increasing need to access affordable mental healthcare in developing countries such as Antigua and Barbuda. Though this gap is yet to be filled despite the selfless work being poured into the system by our doctors, nurses, teachers, counselors, therapists and advocates, there are solutions students can adopt to self-soothe and succeed.
About the writer: WISH Communications Coordinator Makeida Antonio is a graduate of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus with a Bachelor in Management with Psychology. She is a locally-based media worker and is a former National Youth Ambassador for the Ministry of Social Transformation.