The summer break over Christmas and New Year is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and making the most of long, warm days. For many of us, it’s a chance to unwind, travel, or enjoy a well-earned break.  

For medical registrars preparing for Fellowship exams, the holiday season can feel very different. Rather than rest and relaxation, it may bring pressure, anxiety, and a sense of missing out as friends and family enjoy the festivities. 

Balancing holidays with effective study can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can enjoy the festivities and stay on track with your exam preparation.  

Here are some tips to help you navigate the holidays and avoid FOMO (fear of missing out). 

1. Plan Ahead 

Memory retention benefits from regular, consistent study, so taking a four-week break over summer isn’t ideal for exam preparation. One of the keys to managing your time effectively during the Christmas/holiday season is to plan. Create a study plan that outlines what you want to achieve during this time, while still making space for important holiday events and family commitments.  

Include intentional rest days to give your brain time to recharge. Even a single day off each week can support memory consolidation and prevent burnout. Start by listing your study goals and all the important dates and events you want to attend, such as work functions, parties, family gatherings, and New Year’s celebrations. Then, block out dedicated study times around them. Aim for short, regular study sessions before events, then reward yourself by being present and enjoying your post-study event. This approach can ensure you stay organised and have dedicated time for both study and relaxation. 

2. Set Realistic Plans 

During this busy period, breaking your study material into manageable chunks can make a big difference. Contrary to popular belief, short, regular study sessions (1–2 hours daily) are more effective for retention than infrequent, long sessions (5–6 hours once a week). Studying in short regular sessions not only keeps your study time productive but it is less overwhelming, and easier to fit into your schedule.  

Be honest with yourself about your capacity. If you are planning a big New Year celebration at home, don’t plan to study the following day. It is important not to overload your schedule and short-change your sleep. Quality rest is essential for memory retention and overall performance. Lastly, celebrate staying on track and achieving your study goals along the way: this can help sustain motivation. 

3. Prioritise Self-Care 

While it’s important to stay committed to your study schedule, it’s equally important to prioritise self-care. The festive season can be exhausting, and neglecting your wellbeing can impact the effectiveness of your study. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthily, and engage in regular exercise. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises and yoga can help you stay focused and calm. Taking breaks and spending time with family and friends also can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood. 

4. Utilise Technology 

Technology can be a great ally in exam preparation. Use online resources, apps, and study tools to enhance your learning experience. There are numerous medical education platforms that offer practice exams, study guides, and interactive learning modules, like ours at GPEx. Additionally, consider joining online study groups or forums where you can share insights and seek support from fellow registrars. Exam preparation courses are also very useful at busy times with easy to access resources and practice questions. 

5. Stay Flexible 

Flexibility will be key during this time. Unexpected events and changes in plans are inevitable, so be prepared to adapt your study schedule. If you miss a study session due to a family commitment running overtime, don’t stress. Simply adjust your schedule and make up for the lost time later. Staying flexible will help you maintain a positive attitude and prevent exhaustion. 

6. Balance Study and Fun 

Finding the right balance between study and festivities is essential. While it’s important to stay committed to your exam preparation, don’t forget to enjoy the holiday season too. Schedule time for relaxation and connection with friends and family to recharge your energy. Remember, taking meaningful breaks and joining in the celebrations can actually improve your study efficiency by supporting your wellbeing and maintaining a positive mindset. 

7. Review your Progress 

Rather than just reacting to changes, build in regular checkpoints to step back and review how your plan is working. Regularly assess your progress and make changes to your study plan if necessary. This will help you stay on track and ensure you’re making the most of your study time. This intentional reflection ensures you’re making steady progress – and keeps your plan aligned with both your goals and your energy levels.  

8. Seek Support 

Don’t hesitate to seek support from your colleagues, family and friends. Let them know about your exam preparation and the importance of maintaining a study schedule over summer. They can offer encouragement, help you stay accountable, and even assist with easing off the pressure. If staying motivated is a struggle for you, then study with a colleague or join a study group. There are many benefits to study groups, such as increased motivation and commitment, as well as deeper learning. Additionally, consider reaching out to your mentors or supervisors for guidance and advice. 

As well as informal support from colleagues and family, consider seeking formal exam preparation support from a performance coach to better manage this time if you are struggling to balance study/work/life well. 

Good luck with your exam preparation and happy holiday. 

References 

King’s College London. (n.d.). Study hard and rest harder: How to balance productivity and self-care during the holidays. Retrieved 16/7/2025 from https://www.kcl.ac.uk/students/study-hard-and-rest-harder-how-to-balance-productivity-and-self-care-during-the-holidays  

Online Student Life. (n.d.). 15 Tips to Study Effectively During the Holidays. Retrieved 16/7/2025 from https://onlinestudentlife.com/study-during-holidays/  

Matrix Education. 9 Must-know tips to study effectively in the Holidays and stay motivated. Accessed 16/7/25 from: https://www.matrix.edu.au/9-must-know-tips-to-study-effectively-in-the-holidays-and-stay-motivated/  

Waugh, J. (2024). Studying During the Holidays: Tips for Success and Self-Care. Retrieved from 16/7/2025 https://www.jwaugheducation.com/post/studying-during-the-holidays-tips-for-success-and-self-care