It’s the night before the Bar Exam and you’re literally googling “can’t sleep before the Bar Exam”.
You already know that if you can't get to sleep, it can have devastating consequences like
falling asleep during the test,
having poor recall and
giving an overall lackluster performance on the test.
Read this article to the end to find out how to get to sleep, have peace on the Bar and get a hold of my specially recorded virtual sleep aid, to sleep deeply before your big day.
Reasons you’re sleepless before the Bar
You’re worried enough and not looking for more nightmare scenarios on what could happen if you don’t get a good night’s sleep before your big day. I’ll skip the eek and give you the straight facts. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep the night before a big event like the Bar Exam, know that, first of all, it's normal. Lots of people go through it. Be comforted in knowing that, chances are, adrenaline (and whatever caffeine you consume) will kick in when you get started the morning of the exam.
At risk of stating the obvious, if you can’t get to sleep, something is on your mind. It’s so scary that it’s keeping you up. You’ve double and triple checked everything in preparation, you’re done studying, yet you stay awake trying to quiet the voices. You don’t want to go down the rabbit hole. Or you’re afraid to go to sleep because of what will come up from your unconscious—nightmares—while you’re asleep.
If, during your studying, you were struggling with panic, anxiety, and the feeling of running out of time, or, on the other end of the spectrum you were struggling with procrastination, constantly changing your bar study methods or even postponing your exam, there are deeper than obvious reasons for that. Those deep reasons I call unconscious because we aren’t aware of them, usually because we haven’t had the time to uncover them. But those same sentiments, thoughts, and unrecognized unconscious patterns are ruining your sleep right now.
Here’s what to do if you’re a few weeks or one day away from the Bar.
Exam takers can find resources in my online community for helping to pinpoint what might be bothering them, beyond the surface level, so these unconscious factors don’t rear their ugly heads at a crucial point, like the night before the exam.
If you’re a few days away from the Exam try this:
adopt some exercise routine that you’ll practice in the middle of the day. Don’t worry, if you’ve never exercised or neglected it for a while. That’s actually great! Your body will be extra tired at night.
DO NOT take any caffeine after 12 PM
DO NOT take a nap after 3 PM
If you‘re just a few days from the Bar and pulling late-nighters, STOP. At this point, you will move the needle most by addressing your mindset. It is the reason you’re in a spot where you feel you have to pull late-nighters. Exam takers who want to address their mindset should check out opportunities for a mindset session here.
Remember your night routine before you started studying for the Bar? What did you normally do to get ready for bed the night before a normal day? You may have to go as far back as before you started law school. Try that night routine again and see if it gets you some relief.
If you’re a few weeks away from the Exam:
Institute a night routine; something or a series of things you will do every night before bed. This helps signal to your body that it’s sleep time. You’ll do the same thing the nights before the Bar to get yourself (closer) to sleep.
Look into an Emergency Mindset Session to address any mindset issues you’re facing about taking the Bar or becoming an attorney. After some guided deep diving, some exam takers find their mindset issues did not lie in the Bar Exam but in what was in store for them after the Bar. The Bar is the most logical point of sabotage when you’re unconsciously protecting yourself from undesirable situations.
You know yourself best. Your behavior when approaching crucial events like the Bar Exam probably has already occurred in times past. With that self-knowledge, you can prepare for the expected exam difficulties. But, as a Bar Exam Mentor, I say, if you’re doing everything right and still not seeing desired results, it’s time to look at mindset.
If you’re taking the Bar tomorrow, check out this sleep meditation to help soothe you to sleep right now. If you’re already on the Bar Exam Mentor email list this puppy has been sitting in your email box waiting for you. Search “Bar Exam Mentor” or “Jennifer Duclair” in your inbox and drag it out of spam!
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