At times bar exam prep can feel overwhelming and become all-consuming. But it’s important to remember that taking breaks from studying is an essential part of the process and should be baked into your study routine. These breaks are not just for relaxation. Think of them as strategic tools for optimizing your success on the exam. Here, we explore various ways to use your breaks in order to study effectively. [Read more…] about Making the Most of Bar Exam Breaks: Maximizing Your Free Time for Success and Well-Being
Mindfulness
Podcast Episode 231: Sustaining Mental Health During Bar Study and Beyond
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we’re excited to welcome Ryan Zajic – a senior legal content developer at UWorld and a licensed attorney in the state of Nebraska, and Dr. Janani Krishnaswami – a certified physician in preventative medicine, internal medicine, and lifestyle. We’re talking about the very important topic of mental health for law students and those studying for the bar exam, and in the legal field in general. Thanks to Themis Bar Review, the gold standard in bar exam preparation, for sponsoring this episode!
In this episode we discuss:
- How our guests got involved in the bar prep world
- What the results from The 2021 Survey of Law Student Well-Being show
- What are the primary challenges that students face while studying for the bar?
- Coping mechanisms you could try if you find yourself struggling during bar prep
- How Themis and UWorld have developed their programs with mental health and success in mind
- What our guests would do differently if they had to take difficult exams at this time in their life
Thanks for listening!
[Read more…] about Podcast Episode 231: Sustaining Mental Health During Bar Study and Beyond
Why Being on Top of Mental Health Is So Important When Studying for the Bar
Preparing for the bar exam is tough, and it demands a lot of mental strength. For repeat takers, the process can be even tougher. Taking the bar exam once is hard enough, but a second, third, or more time around – that takes a lot of resilience. If you want to give yourself the best shot at passing the bar exam, you need more than great study habits – you also have to keep on top of your mental health.
Here, we explore why mental health is crucial for bar exam preparation, especially for repeat takers, and discuss practical strategies to care for your mental health during this difficult period. [Read more…] about Why Being on Top of Mental Health Is So Important When Studying for the Bar
Effective Learning Styles for the Bar Exam
The journey to becoming a lawyer culminates with the challenging bar exam. To succeed, aspiring lawyers must adopt effective learning styles that go beyond mere memorization.
Try taking on a study approach aimed to enhance understanding, retention, and overall exam performance.
[Read more…] about Effective Learning Styles for the Bar Exam
Podcast Episode 221: Quick Tips — Tools for Handling Distractions During Bar Study
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, as part of our “Quick Tips” series, we’re talking about some tools you can use to handle distractions and optimize your study time during bar prep.
In this episode we discuss:
- App-blocking and timing tools to help you stay focused
- Having a “study buddy” without the distractions that can come with it
- The “Circles” method for organizing your study time
- How “white noise,” “pink noise,” and “brown noise” can help you focus
- Rewarding yourself when you complete a task
- Daily mindfulness practices
Thanks for listening!
[Read more…] about Podcast Episode 221: Quick Tips — Tools for Handling Distractions During Bar Study
Why You Should Treat Yourself After the Bar Exam (And How to Do It)
Studying for the bar exam can be an all-consuming experience, leaving you barely any time for relaxation and self-care. As much as you try to prioritize things like your mental health and relationships during the lead-up to the bar exam, anything not related to the bar tends to get put on hold. That’s why, after the exam is over, it’s so important to take a break, rest, and reset.
You’ve probably heard of students taking a “bar trip” – a weeks-long vacation to some exotic place, often with fellow law school grads. While the traditional bar trip can be an amazing experience, it’s not the only way to celebrate finishing the bar exam. It’s also not something everyone wants to or can do. It’s expensive and requires money and time, which not everyone has access to. That’s why these tips are going to focus on what else you can do – no ticket to Bali or Tulum required – to treat yourself after the bar exam. [Read more…] about Why You Should Treat Yourself After the Bar Exam (And How to Do It)