Remember to take a breath

By Mbasa Mngazi

As the examination season approaches, people may forget to take care of themselves, which can leave them mentally drained and burnt out. Take a few minutes to breathe — either go for a run, work out, or watch a movie — and have fun with friends. People forget that the human body cannot do it all. Studying is important, but so is sleep and a healthy body and mind. Trust that you can study all you want, but if your body is not responding, then no

information will enter. In your first year, this is your first time writing exams at university. The

pressure may be different, but please try to sleep and regain your energy. Also, try to drink

enough water if you have consumed any energy drinks, as the caffeine can get too much.

The stress will get to you, and you might find yourself hitting rock bottom, but please do not

forget that the University Psychology Centre is also available and opens at 8 a.m. if you want to talk to someone. However, if you feel like you do not want to share, please talk to a close friend or family member because you are never alone. Yes, you may study alone, but you need someone in your corner once in a while. If you feel down, talk to someone; doing so may get you the help or advice you need. It’s exam time, but it’s not the end of the world. Your body needs rest and care; if you are not looking after it, it will show in many ways, and the worst outcome would be ending up in the hospital or fainting from exhaustion because a body can only take so much. The residence you stay at has house committee members who are there to help you. Talk to one of them if you feel like the Psychology Clinic is too much. As SWOT Week approaches, study and prepare your notes, but also take care of your body and brain, as they, too, get tired.

Rhodes University Psychology Clinic. Photo by Rhodes University.

Who knows, maybe a call from home or being home could be what you need to get through a lot. And during a hard time, everything may become overwhelming. A familiar face or voice may be just what you need, so please use all the resources you have to look after yourself in a healthy and risk-free way. This means giving everything the proper time it needs. Yes, study, but also look after yourself before it is too late. You do not want to miss out on an exam or write on a different day than you have planned, all because you did not take care of yourself. Being vigilant at night is also crucial, as it can get dangerous, especially when returning from studying or taking a break. Security guards are patrolling, and SOS signs are posted, but you may not notice one in time, or the security may not be there at that moment. As winter approaches, it gets dark early, and you may have to walk a long distance. Please do stay safe out there. Tell someone where you are going, or go in a group to avoid one person going alone and not having someone there during a hard time, as they say, “The more, the merrier.” You do not have to tell many people, but the people you trust will check up on you if they do not hear from you for a long time.

Speaking about winter, please stay warm and stay healthy; nobody wants to get the flu during this critical exam period. The temperatures will change; do carry an umbrella for any weather forecast. The weather in Makhanda is not consistent; it may be sunshine and rainbows one minute, and the next, you're soaking wet from a rain shower. To the first-years or newcomers who are not used to the weather in the Eastern Cape, please stay warm at all times. When you are visiting someone, please stay safe and warm, and do try to be responsible. Make sure you are prepared for your studies and warm when you study. Study hard and well, but do not forget your body and listen to its signs. Do not ignore them until it’s too late; drink enough water after consuming energy drinks, as they can also harm your body. I am not saying do not consume them, but please do so responsibly. And do not have more than one a day, as that may catch up with you later. So, during this stressful time, make sure to take care of yourself and your mind, and stay warm at all times.

Edited by: Lathitha Matebese