HOW TO REFILL YOUR ENERGY AS A STUDENT AND HANDLE PRE-EXAM FATIGUE

Every student knows this feeling: exams are close, your books are open, but your mind is tired and your motivation feels completely drained. You know you should study, yet you just can’t find the energy to continue. These moments bring guilt and frustration and fear, but they are a normal part of the academic journey.

Pre-exam fatigue happens when pressure, fear, and long study hours combine. The key is not to panic, but to intentionally refill your mental and emotional energy so you can finish strong.

Here are some things that can help you handle pre-exam fatigue:

1.      Pause to reset, not to quit:

When motivation drops, many students assume they’re lazy or unserious. In reality, your brain may simply be overloaded. Short, intentional breaks help you recharge. Step away from your books for a few minutes, stretch, drink water, or take a brief walk. A rested mind tends to retain information better than an exhausted one forcing itself to read.

2.      Reconnect with your “Why”:

Before exams, it’s easy to focus only on stress and forget the purpose behind your effort. Ask yourself: Why am I studying? Is it to pass this course? Graduate with good grades? Make your family proud? Build your future career? Reconnecting with your deeper reason can reawaken the internal drive that external pressure cannot sustain.

3.      Break your study goals into small wins:

Feeling overwhelmed kills motivation quickly. Instead of saying, “I need to read CHM101 today” divide your work into smaller, achievable tasks. For example:

·         Review one topic

·         Solve ten past questions

·         Research some cases etc.

Each completed task gives you a sense of progress, which naturally restores energy and confidence.

4.      Change your study method:

Sometimes, motivation dries up because you get bored from your study routine. Try switching methods: teach a friend, use sticky notes, summarise notes aloud, or practice past questions instead of passive reading. Active studying keeps your mind engaged and prevents fatigue.

5.      Protect your physical energy:

Your body affects your motivation more than you realise. Lack of sleep, poor eating habits, and dehydration can make studying feel ten times harder. During exam preparation, ensure you sleep adequately, eat balanced meals, and stay hydrated. A healthy body supports a focused mind.

6.      Surround yourself with focused peers:

Studying alone when you’re tired can worsen your condition. Studying with disciplined friends can create a positive academic atmosphere that encourages you to keep going. Their seriousness can gently push you to stay on track.