On Monday, your UWSA President, Shawna Péloquin, and University of Winnipeg Wellness Centre counsellor, Christy Rostek, went Live on Instagram to share tips on taking care of your mental health during the exam period and the holidays. If you missed the event, you can watch the live stream on our UWSA Instagram page or review the compilation of 10 Key Takeaways from the event below!

1. Recognize that it’s okay to do the bare minimum as we’re all living through a collective trauma during the pandemic.
2. Acknowledge the feelings you’re having right now and know that they’re okay.
3. Make sure that you have a connection with your professors and remember that they have office hours where they can help you out.
4. Create a study space for yourself (if you can) where you make it personal, serene, and comfortable. Have a comfortable chair, candle, blanket, music, or whatever makes you feel comfortable.
5. Study for short periods of time and then take breaks in between, where you get up and move for a bit. For example, have 30-minutes of studying with a 10-minute break.
6. If you freeze during your exams and can’t remember what you studied: take a moment, move your laptop away, and then take a deep stomach breath. This will help you to relax and do better on your exam.
7. Take time to rest during the holidays. Watch your favourite show, have your favourite chips, completely unwind!
8. If you’re a student parent, remember that it’s okay to be exhausted and ask for support from friends and family. Connecting with other parents will help give you a support system.
9. Maintain a routine. For example, fall asleep and wake up at the same time.
10. Have study sessions with your classmates even if it’s just having your Zoom video on while you’re all studying.