Top tips for tackling exam stress
The run up to exams can understandably be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Head of Sixth Form, Ruth Taylor, shares her top tips for staying calm and healthy while you revise:
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Eat a healthy and balanced diet
It may be tempting to reach for one bar of chocolate (or two, or three) when stress hits, but setting yourself up for sugar highs and the subsequent blood sugar crashes will not be conducive to revising. Instead try to aim for lots of fruits and vegetables, with regular healthy snacks if needed to keep your energy up. Remember to drink lots of water, and avoid too much caffeine and sugar.
2. Don’t compare yourself to others
Particularly in this age of social media, it can feel as though all of your peers are revising for longer, and are doing better than you are. Switch off from social media and turn off screens at least an hour or so before bed; good quality sleep is vital for good health and good memory function, and the blue light from your phone or computer can inhibit the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin.
3. Don’t give up relaxing activities
Sometimes it may feel as though if you were to give up all your relaxation time to cram in an extra bit of revision that it might make all the difference when it comes to your exams. But don’t make that mistake. Everyone needs time to de-stress, to socialise, to exercise - and by denying yourself these important self-care activities you may be doing yourself a disservice in the long run. Run a hot bath, go for a run, do some yoga, have dinner with your family - make sure you take the time to look after yourself. No exam is worth risking your mental and physical well-being.
4. Find what works for you
There are many different ways to revise - from making mindmaps to writing revision cards or making audio recordings and listening to them. Find what works best for you. Maybe get a parent/carer or friend to quiz you on what you’ve been revising, or make a revision group with friends if you think that would be beneficial.
5. Create a schedule
Seeing what you need to cover and when can really help reduce stress. Be specific about what you need to cover each day, including particular topics rather than a general subject. Know when you are having time off so that you can enjoy it, knowing that it is part of a plan and your revision will not suffer because of it.
6. Don’t forget - we’re here for you
If you’re still feeling anxious or stressed about exams, book an appointment with the school counsellor or Lay Chaplain Kay Dodsworth. If you’re a boarder you can chat to our independent listener. Don’t keep your feelings bottled up - share them and get them off your chest. Articulating specific worries you have stops you from being overwhelmed by a vague maelstrom of anxiety - and by talking about the worries you have we can look at steps you can take to mitigate any concerns that you have.