how to deal WITH EXAM STRESS
When deadlines are looming it can feel hard to find down time. But allowing yourself time to relax can actually help you to cope better with exam stress and help you to perform at your best.
The longer we go without downtime, the harder it can become to think clearly and work at our best. Information can be more difficult to take in and things that are usually simple can feel overwhelming.
Taking a break might feel like the opposite of what you need, but more often than not, a break allows us to pause, refocus and come back stronger and more energised.
Here are some ways you can look after your wellbeing during exams:
Make time away from studies to wind down.
Take a bath, get out for some fresh air, listen to your favourite music and step away from the text books for a moment.
Give your mind and body time to relax.
Whether it’s chatting with friends, having a stretch, or breaking up studying with your favourite TV show.
Try to fit in some exercise each day.
This can help reduce stress and give you a bit of a boost. It doesn’t have to be a marathon – try 10 star jumps, dancing to your favourite tune, kicking a ball around, or a short stretching sequence.
Eat well.
Even if you don’t feel like eating, skipping meals means you’ll have less energy and make it harder for you to study or focus.
Stay connected with family and friends.
This can help you unwind and let off some steam.
Sleep.
Our bodies need sleep to function well. Try to get around 8 hours of sleep if you can. Trouble sleeping? Try giving yourself a wind down period before you hit the hay – it’ll help your brain get ready for sleep and decrease the likelihood of lying awake for hours worrying.
Try to find a balance between downtime and revision.
This can help you reset, helping you to work better in the long run.
Create a timetable.
We know that revision can get a bit intense sometimes, so creating a timetable can make managing things a bit easier.
If you have other friends who are revising, check in on one another – they’re more likely to understand what you’re going through and might appreciate the chat.
Your exams and your results won’t define you or what happens in the future, so try not to give yourself a hard time. Whatever happens, there is always a way forward.