[Beanbag0]

I really have to study for exams but I'm so tired of studying ... I feel so guilty when I take a break though but I just sit and stare at my notes anyway... If it gets late and I havnt learnt anything I will feel like such a failure. It's such a conflict because if I don't continue studying and the exam is hard I will know it was my fault... It makes me feel so anxious when I sit and try to study but can't!

[glok]

Hello, Beanbag0. How is the studying going. Please give us an update.

[Beanbag0]

My bird died of the flu last night so I am so so sad... I feel sick just thinking about him. He was the sweetest boy who gave me kisses when I put my nose near him and I miss him already... So my studying has not been very productive as I am just so tired and devastated...

[Vossie42]

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. I have birds, too. When one passed away 10 years ago, I was devastated. Given the depth of your grief, you may not do well on your exams even if you had been studying productively until now. I know you're worried about exams, but stop studying for at least a few hours. Rest, cry. There is such a thing as over-studying.

Here's an approach that works for me when my time for studying is limited or when I have trouble focusing. When you go back to studying, list what main points you need to know and be sure you know those. Don't worry about details yet. Later, go back over the main points and add the important sub-points. Make sure you know those. Then go back over and add the next layer of details, etc. You may not have time to get past the main points. That's okay. You have laid down a good foundation with the main points. You can make an educated guess on the rest during the exam.

Try to cut yourself some slack. You're grieving the loss of a beloved companion. You may not get the grades you want for very good reasons, and that's okay. You'll survive.

Remember, you'll see your feathered companion someday at Rainbow Bridge.