Coping with Exam stress

As the exam season approaches, the stress levels of students (and parents!) seems at times to be overwhelming. Here are some tips for students to stay positive and manage stress during exams:

• Know you are not alone: It is a great idea to talk to parents, teachers or friends and remember that you are not the only person who is nervous!
• Eat well: Some parents and students have found that high-sugar and caffeine food and drinks can make you feel hyperactive and moody.
• Sleep well: It is recommended by doctors that most teenagers need between 8-10 hours sleep a night which helps improve thinking and concentration. All night studying before an exam may actually result in worse performance than a good night’s sleep.
• Exercise: Studying behind a desk all day is not the most effective way of learning. It is important to take short breaks, by performing simple exercises such as walking or cycling which help in clearing the mind and reducing stress.
• A bit of stress can be good: Remember that having a bit of stress can be good as it encourages you to focus on the task at hand and think faster and more effectively. However, excessive stress levels are counterproductive and hinder rather than assist in exam performance.

For further information, see the links below:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/coping-with-exam-stress.aspx

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/apr/07/how-to-stay-positive-and-manage-anxiety-during-exam-season