It’s just a ‘quick menty B’: How exam freakouts can actually help
If your senior school or uni student child tells you how a ‘rant buddy’ helped them overcome a ‘quick menty B’, it’s not as bad (or as baffling) as it might sound.
Young Aussies are relying on “rant buddies”, “quick menty Bs” and “micro-escapes” in order to cope with study stress and “come back less feral”.
Nearly eight in 10 students feels stressed or lonely during exams, but more than half say a quick chat with friends is their primary coping tool, according to a new survey of 1000 students aged 16 to 25.
Nearly 40 per cent say chatting with friends – aka turning to a “rant buddy” – makes them feel “less cooked”.
One-third are uplifted by hype texts from mates, saying their friends push them to do better, although some admit to having mates who derail their study plans.
The research, commissioned by KitKat, found one-fifth say they have a quick “menty B” – short for mental breakdown – in order to rebalance. They also use social media to check in with friends.
Two-thirds share memes and rants in groups chats, relying on other students to help them get through by having “digital check-ins”.
One in three are making mini “hype” videos and using selfie filters to express their vulnerability and support others. They are also turning to chaotic study memes to break the tension, posting photos showing their out-of-control study space.
Two-thirds say taking a rest from study helps them become more productive and “less mentally fried”, with one-third saying it’s a good way to “clear the head and come back less feral”.
Jo Frahn, 19, a first-year student at the University of Western Sydney studying paramedicine, said she was “always thinking about uni”.
“I am lucky that I have good close friends I can talk about things with, that I met through uni,” she said.
“We use Snapchat to share pictures and videos and chat over the phone about assignments.
“I feel like I am always going to be stressed but socialising and taking breaks and going for a walk or having a coffee does help.”
Kate Christie, a time management expert, said it was important that students “planned ahead so each study session is purposeful”.
“Batch subjects that are like each other together so you can stay more focused during your study time,” she said.
“Prioritise the hardest, high-value work when your energy levels are high to maximise your productivity. Take breaks and stay connected with each other.
“Don’t forget it’s a moment in time and this is not the end, it’s just the beginning.”
Australian Catholic University resilience expert Kylie Trask-Kerr said, students should seek support from trusted others to help put things in perspective if an exam didn’t go as planned.
“At those times, it can help to reframe the exam as only one part of the bigger picture. Try not to handle it all alone,” she said.
“Talking with a trusted friend, teacher, family member or counsellor can put things in perspective. Positive connections with teachers and peers can help you to bounce back and be ready for your next exam,” Dr Trask-Kerr said.
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Originally published as It’s just a ‘quick menty B’: How exam freakouts can actually help
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