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Take a Moment and Breathe: How to Survive Dental School Exams

It’s that time of year in dental school when we all gather to test our knowledge. Ready might be a stretch, but there is no choice but to prepare. Dental school exams can be nerve-wracking, and keeping up with self-care is critical during this time! The reality is YOU GOT THIS.. with preparation and making time for yourself. Below are some tips that can help reduce stress and cause you to cry less inside during exam season.

1) Exercise! Exercise is not only great for the body but also for the mind. It’s a preventive measure for so many things. Most importantly, being able to control the breath can lead to minimizing anxiety. Yoga is an excellent resource for that. Asana is the linking of breathing to movement. It allows for the reception of breath in all parts of the body. Therefore, you can practice various parts of yoga to find mindfulness during stressful times.

2) Sleep! Self-care doesn’t end with exercise; sleep is so important! Prioritizing a consistent routine will help keep the mind and body in cohesion.

3) Effective Study Techniques! Time management is so important. Breaking down the material into measurable chunks will help digest and retain information better—practice, practice, practice! You can familiarize yourself with the exam format by practicing with past papers or sample questions. Memorization enables you to understand the type of questions and boosts your confidence.

4)Peer support is essential! Your community will help guide you through these stressful times into the next part of your journey. You can connect with classmates for study sessions or discussions. Sharing your thoughts and learning from others can alleviate stress and provide different perspectives on the material.

Stress is every day, but finding strategies that work for you can make the dental school journey more manageable and less stressful. Remember to celebrate your achievements along the way!