Best tip for exam students this May/June
May 22, 2025I've been feeling sorry for all the students this month as it has been tough weather to be inside at the books, but hopefully the end is in sight now for many. If you or someone in your house has exams this year, here are a few reminders... 
Step outside for a bit
At this time of the year I always look back on my own student days, an era long before I had started running or discovered any of the benefits of spending time in fresh air. Students today are much more aware of wellbeing and looking after their mental and physical health than I ever was but even armed with the knowledge it’s still not easy to leave the cosy indoor comforts for a blast of fresh air. Times have changed but it can still be hard to prioritise getting outside when you feel overwhelmed with all that needs to be done!
Why bother going out the door?
There is a growing body of research on the power of time spent in fresh air and green spaces. It improves our energy and mood. Lower levels of fatigue, stress and depression have all been linked to outdoor activity as well as better concentration, focus and sleep. There is something magical about time in fresh air that makes everything seem better. It clears our head and lifts our spirit. But often it can seem too simple to bother doing as we feel too busy to take a step away from the books or deadlines.
Back in the day
I’m embarrassed to say that I never did a loop of the beautiful park which lies alongside my university until many years after I graduated. My only memory of spending time there is on a sunny summer day drinking cider after getting exam results. Those exam results might have been a little better if I had known that getting up off my chair and clearing my head had so many benefits. Back then never had a phone to distract me and even then it was hard to prioritise a walk - so i know there are even more temptations than ever to stay inside.
Create your best work
Fresh air sparks creativity too. Some of the greatest scholars of the past claim their daily walk gave them inspiration for their best work. They were lucky back then not to have had the distraction of technology. Today we all need the break from indoors even more. Imagine what we could gain from putting the tech on silent, taking a quick walk and letting the creative juices flow. We could return back to the desk with renewed enthusiasm, energy, perspective and inspiration. It would certainly be worth a lot more than another hour sitting in the library looking busy, procrastinating and checking messages.
Move to feel better
I don’t write this to add more to the busy schedule of exam students. Instead what I hope to do is plant a seed and offer a little reminder that you can always step outside to feel better. Whether you feel daunted or drained by an exam, assignment deadline or a sleepless night, you can go outside to clear your head and refill it with fresh air, energy and life. You don’t need to be sporty to be someone who makes time for getting outside. You just have to decide you are going to do it and make it part of your routine.
Go with someone else
If you know you will find it hard to make time to go solo, why not find someone who will help you get up and out. Someone else who is also studying probably needs a nudge too. It’s always easier to move when someone is waiting for you at the end of the path. I wish when I was a teenager I had worked out that that spending time outdoors can help us feel better, calmer and more in control. But even when we do know it, the kick out the door is the hardest bit.
To the nagging parents
If you are a parent of a student, rather than lecture them on the perks of fresh air, eating well and the amount of time they are spending on their phone, practice what you preach instead. Take the time to rediscover your own locality, pop on your walking shoes and leave your phone in your pocket. It might help you worry less about your offspring. And maybe they might just join you!
Good luck to all with their head in the books these days!
summer is coming...
Don't miss a step
Keep up date on all our latest news. Get training tips and motivation right in your inbox.
