avatarImad

Summary

The content reflects on the personal experience of stress and anxiety during exam preparation, characterized by long hours, reliance on caffeine, and the comfort found in music.

Abstract

The article "Stress Before the Storm" captures the intense and exhausting experience of a student during the exam period. The author describes a cycle of fatigue, sustained by heavy caffeine consumption and irregular meals, as days and nights blend together. Despite the financial constraints of a student budget, the individual resorts to frequent takeout. Amidst the chaos, there is a longing for the period to pass quickly while also wishing to pause time to better manage the overwhelming workload. The stress is palpable, with the author expressing a desire to freeze time to absorb the vast amount of content still to be learned. Music serves as a reprieve, providing solace with its calming effects. The piece concludes with the author taking a moment to breathe and refocus, acknowledging the importance of remembering key points amidst the stress. The article is a response to a prompt by Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 on 'exam stress', and it is accompanied by a link to her related work.

Opinions

  • The author acknowledges the negative impact of exam stress on their daily routine and well-being.
  • There is a sense of resignation mixed with hope, as the author looks forward to the end of the stressful period while also wishing for more time.
  • The reliance on caffeine and takeout food is seen as an unsustainable coping mechanism, indicative of the pressures faced by students.
  • Music is portrayed as a positive coping strategy, offering a serene escape from anxiety.
  • The author's reflection on their situation suggests a need for better time management and self-care during periods of high stress.
  • The mention of Lucy Dan's piece implies that the author finds resonance with her work on the same theme, indicating a shared experience among students facing exam stress.

Stress Before the Storm

A prompt response

Photo by Lacie Slezak on Unsplash

Weary eyes heavily caffeinated days and nights are all the same

Hungry stomach no time to cook ordering in once again on a student’s budget, unsustainable

Just this period I tell myself it will pass and I may resume as I once was

I can’t wait for it to end yet I wish I could freeze time

Still more content remains unlearned Oh my god my anxiety’s taking over

But the music It calms my nerves serene waves of jazzy blues

I take a deep breath and reassess, Important points I must remember

More caffeine and back to work stomach grumbling why’s my food taking so long

I wrote this in response to Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她), the prompt is ‘exam stress’.

Here is Lucy’s piece

Poetry
Tbin
Exam Stress
Poetry Prompt
Poetry On Medium
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