Escapism at the Exam Season

Have you ever, as a student, tried seeking temporary escape from the scary books and exams? I did, I do even now during my End of Semester exams!

When it's exam time, it's like entering a whole new world. Suddenly, the pressure is on, and every minute counts. But for many students like me, facing exams can be overwhelming. That's when escapism becomes a tempting retreat.

Firstly, there's the allure of procrastination. Instead of hitting the books, I find myself drawn to anything and everything that offers a distraction – whether it's scrolling through social media, binge-watching my favorite TV shows, or getting lost in the world of comics. It's as if I'm trying to avoid the reality of the looming exams by immersing myself in something more immediately gratifying.

Then, there's the temptation to daydream. As I sit on my bed, staring blankly at my notes, my mind begins to wander. I imagine myself anywhere but here – on a tropical beach, exploring a far-off city, or simply lounging in bed without a care in the world. These daydreams offer a temporary escape from the stress and anxiety of exams, allowing me to briefly forget my responsibilities and obligations.

Another form of escapism I often turn to is seeking solace in food. When the pressure starts to mount, I find myself craving comfort foods – whether it's a warm spicy briyani, a decadent chocolate bar, or a big bowl of ice cream. Eating becomes a way to soothe my frayed nerves and temporarily distract myself from the mounting pile of textbooks and study guides.

Moreover, there's the allure of sleep. My roomies know how much I sleep! When faced with the daunting task of studying for exams, sleep suddenly becomes irresistible. I find myself longing for the sweet embrace of my bed, yearning for the chance to shut off my brain and escape into the realm of dreams. But while sleep offers a temporary reprieve from the stresses of exam preparation, it also comes with the guilt of knowing that time spent sleeping is time not spent studying.

Lastly, there's the temptation to seek validation through social interactions. Instead of studying, I find myself reaching out to friends for support and reassurance. Whether it's commiserating over shared struggles, seeking advice on study techniques, or simply venting about the pressures of exam season, social interactions offer a sense of camaraderie and belonging that helps alleviate some of the stress and anxiety.

But while escapism may provide temporary relief from the pressures of exam season, it ultimately does more harm than good. By avoiding the reality of exams, I'm only delaying the inevitable and making the process even more stressful in the long run. Instead of giving in to the temptation to escape, I need to find healthier coping mechanisms that allow me to face my exams head-on.

Escapism is a common coping mechanism for students facing the pressures of exam season. Whether it's procrastination, daydreaming, seeking solace in food and sleep, or seeking validation through social interactions, the urge to escape is strong. But while escapism may offer temporary relief, it ultimately hinders academic success. Instead of running away from exams, I need to find healthier ways to cope with stress and anxiety, so I can face my exams with confidence and determination.