The faculty and staff here at Life University (Life U) are always so proud to see their students focus and work diligently to absorb class material ahead of finals and NBCE Board Exams for chiropractic students. Yet, in a fast-paced and rigorous academic environment, it is vital to prioritize self-care and establish decompression routines that will propel students to press on sustainably towards graduation. As we know, pursuing higher education is a marathon, not a sprint. Therefore, students who know how to properly recover in mind, body and spirit are that much more prepared to take on the challenges that await them post-graduation.
Post-Test Decompression Tips
- Anticipate and adapt to the post-exam blues. It is common and expected during stressful periods, such as major test preparation, for the brain to produce excess cortisol, a steroid hormone that activates the fight or flight response. Like many complex hormones, some cortisol is helpful to regulate blood pressure, maintain sleep cycles and produce adrenaline to move us forward during times of stress.
Yet, when a primary stressor is abated, in this case the conclusion of exams, many can be left feeling deflated and spent. Acknowledging feelings of sadness, apathy or general confusion in regard to next steps is paramount to normalizing and adapting to them. Re-establishing healthy habits and routines that may have been pushed to the side while studying will help put you back on track.
- Get back into a proper sleep rhythm. Naps can be helpful in the short-term to recover from a sleep debt, such as a period of shortened or interrupted sleep due to a demanding study schedule. However, in the long run, establishing a healthy sleep routine is better for your recovery and general well-being.
- Keep things interesting and varied. It is beneficial and helpful to seek work during break times, to keep busy and put a little change in your pocket. However, be sure to make time for friends and hobbies. The key is balance, not letting yourself fall into a TV-binge slump but also not filling your schedule so tight that your break is not truly restful.
- Put the notes and textbooks away for a while. Cleaning up your home space so it is no longer a tidal wave of notecards and study guides will help your brain make the transition out of exam cram mode.
- Take time to celebrate. Test time is now complete. You put in the work and did your best. Make sure to focus on the areas that you did well and don’t beat yourself up in areas that you aren’t sure you performed as well on. The waiting period for final results can be stressful, but constantly refreshing your browser window to see if results have come in won’t make them arrive any faster.
- Be kind to yourself if you didn’t do well, especially if you need to retake an exam or a course. Everyone’s journey is different, and there is no shame in needing more time to get where you want to be. It may feel like you are the only one to need to regroup in the moment, but it is a common occurrence that can be recovered from with diligence and patience.
- When emotions run high, let those who are close to you into what you are feeling. Often, simply talking about it can be a relief. Life University also offers its students the Student Assistance Program (SAP) that can connect students to off-campus or telehealth counselors 24/7, even when the University isn’t in session. You can contact SAP directly at 866.734.5890, text 94097 and/or request support at (password – lifeu). A Counselor can also assist you in contacting SAP.
- The key is rest with intention, with the goal toward recovery to empower next steps rather than avoiding them. Happy Holidays, and we look forward to seeing our Life University Running Eagles return in the upcoming 2026 Winter Quarter!
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