Over the course of the past year, I asked many of the IMGs I've worked with to share their helpful tips for managing NAC-OSCE exam related stress. Here are some of their answers:

1. "I take one day off a week from studying."

2. "I have a 15-20 minute nap with my cats in the afternoon."

3. "Eat well, exercise, and go to bed early."

4. "Planning a fun trip to look forward to after the exam helped motivate me."

5. "I left positive messages for myself around the house reminding me that "You've got this!", "You are doing great!", "You're awesome, keep up the good work!"

6. "I journal every morning to calm my nerves and clear my head for the rest of the day."

7. "When I felt overwhelmed, I took a moment to look at photos on my phone."

8. "I have a karaoke machine that I got for Christmas last year and I sing my favorite 80s songs."

9. "I do mindful breathing exercises."

10. "My body got so tense leading up to the exam, so I stretched and did yoga often. If that didn't do the trick, I booked a massage to help release the tension."

11. "I listen to music. More specifically, piano music. Right now, it is mostly Ludovico Eninaudi and Erik Satie. Oh but I love Enya too."

12. "I watch funny videos to distract myself for a few minutes."

13. "I call one of my friends when I need a peptalk."

14. "I try to get out for a run but if that's not possible I do a quick fitness video in my living room."

15. "I meditate for 30 minutes every day."

16. "Daily, I remind myself to see my mistakes as steps to help me learn."

17. "I took regularly scheduled breaks. I actually wrote them down in my planner."

18. "I'd get out of the house for an hour and go anywhere. It didn't matter where."

19. "Play with my kids."

20. "I'd bake a treat for myself a few times a week."

21. "Study with a friend or study outside on a nice day."

22. "I'm strange but cleaning helps me relax."

23. "I'd take a warm bath and listen to true crime podcasts."

24. "I get outdoors and go hiking."

25. "I hit balls at the driving range a few days a week.

26. "Helping other people helps keep my mind off the exam. Once a week I volunteer teaching English to newcomers at the library."

27. "I spend time in my garden."

28. "I read a book for half an hour. Usually, something light and pleasant."

29. "I play video games for a few hours."

30. "I don't live too far from the ocean so I go there every chance I get and walk the shoreline."

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