6TH APR 2023
7 Tips to Help Deal with Exam Stress
With exams around the corner, understanding that support is available during this time can make a difference to your results and overall wellbeing.
Why is wellbeing important?
Good wellbeing encompasses various aspects of your life, including physical health, mental health, and social relationships. Remember that there is the support you can seek out at school or college - even if it's just someone to talk to.
We've compiled seven handy tips to help you relieve exam stress and focus on your wellbeing.
1. Plan your study
Cramming is never a good option before your exams. Organising and outlining a detailed study plan will help you cover each subject area and break the material into smaller topics.
You can start by identifying all the areas covered in the exam to help determine the material and time you need for each topic. Then you can consider giving more time for topics you find more challenging than others or that carry a higher weightage in the exam.
Get your exam schedule together as early as possible, so if you haven't, get started now!
2. Take breaks
Taking short breaks hourly to stretch and walk around will help you stay focused and motivated.
It can be difficult not to feel like you need to continue revising, but taking breaks will allow your mind to take in the information and remain stimulated. Understandably, you might want to use social media or watch TV on these breaks, but giving yourself time away from screens can have a positive impact on your mind.
3. Get enough sleep
Sleep helps all aspects of concentration, motivation, and memory retention. According to the National Library of Medicine, teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night to have enough energy and feel at their best.
Electronic phones, noise and stress can affect your sleep patterns. If you're struggling to get enough sleep, seek support from school or college and let your student mentor or tutor know. They can help offer advice and solutions to ensure you get a good night's sleep.
4. Eat well
Eating a balanced diet can help improve your mood and energy levels throughout the day. Feel free to include this in your study schedule as a reminder to eat during breaks.
A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from different food groups. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. Don't forget to drink plenty of water too!
5. Exercise
Did you know you can help to reduce stress by exercising? Getting your heart rate up and getting outside is a great way to improve your mood and remove yourself from a classroom or revision environment.
Even if you don't have an active hobby or class, regular physical activity in your routine can have numerous benefits for your health and happiness.
6. Speak to your student mentor or tutor
You shouldn't have to go through exam stress alone, so speak to a student mentor or a trusted person at home or at school, or college to give you advice on exam stress management.
Write down what's causing you stress to make it easier to relay this information. We spoke to Kath Fidler, Mental Health Lead at Gloucestershire College as she gave her advice on exam stress and student well-being.
"This is a reminder to all students who are due to take exams with us that we are here to support you. While preparing to sit your exams, utilise your subject sessions to ask questions and revise as your lecturers are there to support you.
"There will be plenty of staff around on the day and quiet spaces if you needed to take a moment before your exam. If you want some advice or someone to talk to please contact us at wellbeing@gloscol.ac.uk "
