Jingle Bells and Jitters: Prioritizing Self-Care During Holiday Bar Prep

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time, but bar prep can throw a wrench into the festivities. Don't let stress and anxiety steal your holiday cheer!

Here's how to prioritize your well-being:

  • Schedule Breaks: Don't feel guilty about taking time off to enjoy holiday events and recharge.
    • The bar exam is a moment in time, memories with family and friends are forever. Use Kaplan’s adaptable calendar to schedule breaks so that you can get all of your assignments done and rest easy knowing that you are on track.
  • Maintain Healthy Habits: Stick to a regular sleep schedule and nourish your body with healthy foods.
    • You should not feel guilty about taking time off for quality time with your loved ones, but use the time to fuel your study time. Make sure your family time is restful for both your body and mind. Protect your nutrition and wellness, e.g., avoid alcohol so that you can stick to your study schedule. 
  • Stress Management Techniques: Incorporate exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature to combat stress.
    • Take care of your body, your brain will thank you. Holiday time can be a difficult time to get outside to move, but you need the air, you need the movement, you need the break. Try to factor in wellness activities that will help you stay mentally healthy during bar prep.

Our final post will focus on staying motivated and celebrating your progress during this challenging time.