Success on the bar exam isn’t just about putting in the hours. To perform your best on the test, you’ll need both your mental and physical health in peak condition. For many students, mental and physical health is an afterthought when it comes to studying for the bar exam! However, planning to stay healthy will maximize your focus, concentration, and efficiency. With that in mind, we’ve put together these five strategies for staying healthy during bar prep.
Take breaks
It may sound counterintuitive but taking breaks can actually help you study more efficiently. Like any other muscle, your brain gets tired during periods of hard work. If you’ve been working on bar prep for several hours and find yourself struggling to stay engaged, that’s a sign that it’s time for a break.
To maximize your study time, it is a good idea to proactively plan breaks right into your study routine. So instead of telling yourself that you will study for four hours straight, plan to take three fifteen-minute breaks during that time period. Reward yourself after each period of studying with a short break.
Make those breaks “power breaks”
Instead of just deciding to “take a break,” take a break that will energize you and help you feel refreshed. Examples of these energizing “power breaks” include:
- Getting up and away from your desk or screen
- Calling a friend
- Going on a quick walk or doing some stretches
- Having a healthy snack
Even a short five- or ten-minute break can make a big difference. You will definitely find it easier to focus when you sit back down to hit the books.
You are what you eat
If your plan is to eat fast food every day to maximize your study time, your plan may backfire. After all, you are what you eat! Prioritize eating healthy meals to make sure your body gets the nutrients it needs to succeed. A good mixture of fruits, vegetables, carbs, and proteins will ensure you are able to maximize your concentration.
If you’re worried about the time it takes to prepare healthy food, you may want to consider meal-prepping in advance or using a meal-kit delivery service. (You may also want to let your relatives know that a gift card to a meal delivery service makes a great law school graduation gift!)
Don’t underestimate a good night’s sleep
As the bar exam gets nearer, you may be tempted to push through practice question after practice question late into the night. However, sacrificing your sleep is not a good idea. Sleep deprivation not only impacts your cognitive function, but it also makes you more susceptible to illness.
On the contrary, getting a good night’s sleep makes it easier to focus and concentrate. It will improve your efficiency when you sit down to study. And you are more likely to see those practice test scores go up!
It is a good idea to have a set time when you call it quits, take a break, and go to sleep! Having a regular sleep schedule will make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Also, make it a habit to avoid excessive intake of caffeine or alcohol during the day and you will sleep better at night.
Remember that the bar exam does not define you
As bar prep goes on, it may start to feel like your self-worth is tied up with passing the exam. Remind yourself that this isn’t true! Passing the bar exam neither defines you nor determines your legal career; plenty of top-notch lawyers have taken the bar more than once. If you feel yourself struggling to maintain perspective, we recommend spending time with friends or loved ones who are not currently studying for the bar. Oftentimes, they can help put things in perspective. Other ways to take care of your mental health include practicing meditation, saying affirmations, or seeking out help from a trained professional.
