Stressed, morose, lackadaisical:  these feelings cast a pall over the exam period. Like vultures, many students cannot help but pick themselves apart during this process, even whilst doing the very thing they are expected to be doing. Revision. It’s scary. Or is it? Stumbling into the middle of the academic year, many year 11s panning the country are shortly embarking on a new track of GCSE mocks. Despite the emphasis many schools put on this merely being the ‘practice run for the marathon’ a multitude of students are already being consumed with desperate despair. And in this state- oftentimes overwhelming and seemingly inescapable- it can be a herculean task to even process the revision you’re in taking. Therefore, it is paramount to cling onto anything that can smooth the rough surface; for many this is the relaxing romanticism of revision. 

 

 The premise is that everything can be made aesthetic, everything from cleaning to the most dreaded exam preparations. Firstly, simply clearing a space is considered a step towards romanticism, although the finest methods suggest a cosy surrounding. Yet these cosy settings are not always a bedroom with pillows and candles (not always) but libraries and cafes with wood and people and surrounding noises. It even goes to inspire people to emulate these places with websites recreating the signature sounds of a coffee machine and clinking mugs. This links to the channelling and idolising of characters and behaviours for motivational purposes. Characters often worshiped in this way include the iconic Hermione Granger; Rory Gilmore from the resurfacing autumn staple Gilmore Girls; and a more niche route even involves those within the Dead Poets Society film. Multitudes of fiction are used as tools to outline the basics of revision plans, reading lists and even attitudes to the work being completed.  

 

However, there is a clear divide. A divide between those who are inclined to the austere ways of burn-out and harsh discipline; methods usually intertwined with elitism and the inner craving for unhealthy levels of superiority, and those who consider wellbeing as significant as the work it’s self. The latter is not to be confused with sluggishness or a lack of self discipline! Instead, backed up with scientific proof, the value of health amongst work actually increases productivity and the end exam performance. Considering this is the most applicable part, the steps to do it are almost suspiciously easy. Strikingly, hydration is key to not just physical but cognitive health. In addition to this, regular breaks are included in the humungous range of pre-made ‘Pomodoro’ studying videos (consistent proportions of break against work time) that are used as background music or ambience. Finally, an often-forgotten staple to the relationship between rest and revision is having at least an hour of time to wind down and practice self care before attempting to tackle sleep. The reason for this is you can change your focus from your tasks and to-do’s to actually becoming tranquil, as well as the variety of benefits like memory and stress release. In the end, what use is working the night away if your next day is being wasted?

 

In conclusion, romanticism could be the pick from which students can begin to carve their feelings of injustice and fatigue into tranquility and dare I say- fun.