It’s February, which means many students are getting ready to take the bar exam in just a few short weeks. For everyone studying for the bar, this is an incredibly stressful time. You may be wondering what you – as a friend or significant other – can do to help and be supportive. Here are five simple ways you can make the life of a bar studier easier.
Give the Gift of Listening
Studying for the bar exam is incredibly stressful and sometimes frustrating. One of the best things you can do for a friend or significant other is to listen. They may feel like giving up, venting or crying. Just be there and listen. Don’t judge. Don’t tell them they will pass the bar. Just be a shoulder to cry on and tell them you’re there anytime. Being a steady force in a very turbulent time will mean a lot to a person.
Bring Nourishment
Anyone studying for the bar exam is probably not spending a lot of time cooking. And there’s only so long that pizza and take-out food can last! We promise your friend will appreciate a home-cooked meal during this time. Think about bringing over a large pot of soup or chili, a pan of lasagna, or fresh veggies for a salad – anything that will leave your friend feeling nourished and will leave some leftovers for a few days.
Don’t worry if you’re not the cooking type! Head to Costco and pick up a few pre-made dinners. Assemble them yourself at a local meal prep kitchen, or look into a meal delivery service. You can also send your friend a healthy snack through Nature Box, or a sweet treat with Sugar Wish. These little gestures will mean a lot!
Be Available for a Walk or a Coffee Break
Most people studying for the bar exam will not have a lot of extra time for long afternoon outings. Yet it’s beneficial for studiers to take a few breaks and rest the mind. See if your friend wants to take a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood or a local park. Grab coffee and chat about anything that’s not related to the bar exam. Suggest a local yoga class to attend. Remember that your friend will not have a lot of time to spend away from the books; but they’ll appreciate your willing to hang out, even if it’s for a short time.
Take Care of Household Chores
The last thing anyone who is knee-deep in studying wants to do is household chores. Offering to take care of a few minor things will certainly ease your friend’s stress. If she has dogs, drop by and take them for a walk. Take out the trash and tidy up her apartment. Offer to grocery shop, pick up toiletries, or do a load of laundry. While these may seem like little tasks that can be easily accomplished, they can easily turn into overwhelming chores for someone studying for the bar exam.
Plan a Post-Bar Celebration
When the bar exam is over, celebrate with your friend! You don’t need to play a fancy trip out of the city. But do something fun wit your friend to commemorate this major milestone being over. Find a local spa and book a day of pampering. Go out to a fancy dinner. Plan a day trip, or enjoy a staycation at a local hotel.
The bar exam study period is a very challenging. The best thing you can do is have patience and be there for your friend. They will appreciate even the smallest effort to help them get through this difficult time.
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Did you find this post helpful? Check out some other great articles:
- Are You Living With a Bar Exam Studier? Here’s How to Cope!
- Tips for the Bar Exam Significant Other
- More Tips for the Bar Exam Significant Other: Don’t Take it Personally
- How Can You Support Your Bar Studier?
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