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help pls- mental health and exam motivation

Hi, I'm an Irish student and my final exams are in 40 days. I've received all my UCAS offers and I am extremely happy about them but they are all conditional on the results of this exam. My issue is for the last two months or so ive just been chronically exhausted and havent had the motivation to do anything but rot in bed. I'm on adhd meds but i still cant focus on any study lately - my brain feels really foggy and im just lethargic all the time - feel like ive been sedated lol. It's making me really really anxious. Does anyone have any tips?

Reply 1

Hi @Anonymous #1,

First off, congrats on receiving all your UCAS offers— that's a huge accomplishment! I totally understand how overwhelming the pressure of exams can be, especially when you're feeling drained and unmotivated.

To start, try waking up 15–30 minutes earlier each day. It might feel tough at first, but getting up a bit earlier gives you more time in the day for studying. If you're feeling drained later, take a short nap to recharge.

Also, make sure you're eating balanced meals— it’s easy to fall into the habit of study snacks, but having proper meals will fuel both your body and mind.

Creating a daily study plan with small, achievable goals can really help— reward yourself when you hit those goals to stay motivated.

Find a routine that works for you, whether that’s working in short bursts (like the Pomodoro technique) or longer stretches with breaks. Everyone's different, so experiment a bit to find what works best for you.

Remember to have some downtime too— spend time with friends, do a hobby, or even just relax with a book, TV or video game. It's important to step away from studying every now and then to recharge.

It’s also okay to have days where you're not as productive— don’t be too hard on yourself. And don’t hesitate to reach out to a family member, teacher, or school counsellor if you need extra support.

Hope this helps, and best of luck with everything! 🙂

Megan (LJMU Rep)

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