Tails of Stress: How to Keep Your Cool During Test Week

Test week. It’s the time that every veterinary student dreads and anticipates in equal measure. The endless notes, the rigorous exams, the pressure to perform — it’s enough to make even the most dedicated future vet feel like they’re chasing their tail. But here’s the thing: stress is normal, and with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to take over your life (or your grades). Let’s face it, veterinary school isn’t for the faint of heart. The curriculum is demanding, the hours are long, and the expectations are sky-high. In fact, studies show that vet students experience some of the highest levels of stress compared to other medical and health science students. But what makes it particularly tough is the sheer volume and complexity of the material. You’ve probably heard that stress can be both helpful and harmful, the key is understanding how it works. Chronic stress can also take a toll on your mental and physical health, impairing your ability to think clearly and even affecting your immune system.

This is why maintaining mental well-being during test week is crucial. It’s okay to be nervous; it’s okay to feel the pressure. But it’s also important to have tools that will allow you to thrive despite it.

Practical Tips to Manage Stress During Test Week

1. The Power of Prioritization It’s easy to feel like you have to study everything. But trying to absorb all the information in a short time can lead to burnout. Focus on high-yield topics—those key areas you know will be heavily tested. Break down your study schedule into manageable chunks to keep stress at bay.

2. Breaks Aren’t a Waste of Time—They’re Essential While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks is a productivity booster. The brain can only focus for so long before it needs a recharge. Even a short 5-minute walk or a quick meditation session can give you the mental clarity needed to return to studying more effectively.

3. Self-Care: It’s Not Just for Your Pets You know how vital it is to care for the animals you treat. Now, apply that same care to yourself. Prioritize sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Skipping meals and pulling all-nighters may seem like sacrifices you need to make, but they’ll only hurt you in the long run. Your brain works best when it’s well-fed and well-rested.

4. Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques Test anxiety is real, but mindfulness practices, including deep breathing exercises, can significantly reduce stress. When you feel your heart rate spike before a big exam, focus on your breath: inhale slowly for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4. This simple technique can calm your nerves and bring you back into focus.

5. Connect with Your Fellow Vet Students You’re not in this alone. Stress often feels more overwhelming when you’re isolated. Reach out to your peers and seniors, share your experiences, and offer each other encouragement. Talking with someone who understands exactly what you’re going through can lighten the load and remind you that you're not the only one juggling everything at once.

Don't Forget the Bigger Picture: Why You Chose Veterinary Medicine

When stress feels like it’s about to swallow you whole, take a step back and remember why you’re here in the first place. The sleepless nights, the countless hours of studying—this is all part of your journey to becoming someone who can make a real difference in the lives of animals and people alike.

Your role as a vet is about so much more than exams, It’s about passion, empathy, and dedication. Those qualities don’t disappear during test week—they become even more important as you work to complete your education and serve your future patients.

Turning Stress Into Strength

Test week will always come with its challenges, but with the right mindset and tools, you can turn stress into a source of strength. It’s not about eliminating stress altogether—it’s about learning to handle it in ways that help you grow. So, take a deep breath, lean on your support system, and remember: you’ve got this. After all, you’re not just studying for an exam. You’re studying to save lives, one paw at a time.

Temilade O Olaniyonu

Editor-in-chief, AVMS EDITORIAL BOARD.