Exams can be incredibly overwhelming. I understand that they are important, but the pressure that comes with them can be intense. Between the endless notes, late-night study sessions, and the constant fear of failure, the stress builds up quickly. This past exam season, in particular, felt like it was pushing me to my limit. I was buried in textbooks and practice papers, my sleep schedule was completely off track, and I often felt like I was one breakdown away from giving up.
Whenever I felt myself becoming overwhelmed, my cat Jamie would somehow sense it. Almost like clockwork, he would jump onto my desk, settle himself right on top of my open notebook, and fix me with a look that clearly said, “It’s time to take a break.” And, truthfully, I listened. There was something incredibly calming about his quiet presence, and those few moments of distraction were often exactly what I needed to reset and keep going. Having my cat around reminded me to slow down and care for myself, even when everything felt chaotic. He didn’t care about my grades or deadlines. He just knew when I needed comfort—and gave it, no questions asked.
Turns out, there’s actually science behind it. Interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety, lower your blood pressure, and improve your overall mood. That’s why animals are used in therapy—they’re not just cute, they can boost your mental health.
So, if you are ever overwhelmed, and there’s a cat, dog, hamster, or even a lizard nearby, spend some time with them. Of course, I have to confess, it might also help to just manage my time better …
For further insights, feel free to watch this video:
