EXAM STRESS
What can you do?
Learning to manage stress is important at all times in our lives – and not just around exam time. Tips to give you more control over your life include: Eating healthy food as much as possible and avoiding junk food as much as you can. Exercising regularly, even if it is for a few minutes a day. Walking, jogging, yoga, anything will do. Developing good relationships. Sleeping well. Keeping a balanced view. Learning techniques of stress management and stress relief. Remember your past achievements and take strength from them.
Schedule Time for You
A really good habit to develop now, which will stand to you for a life-time is to set aside a half an hour each day to do something that just makes you feel good. Read a book or a favourite magazine, take a walk, dance or ride your bike. This time that you take for yourself will help you focus when you sit down to finish your homework.
But you may be asking ‘What Can I do Now? My exams are only weeks away’. The first important thing to remember is that a relaxed body and mind is better equipped to deal with stresses and tensions. So looking after your mind and body at this time will help you to cope better with exam pressures.
Take care of yourself. Now more than ever it’s vital that you take care of yourself. Don’t sacrifice your health because you feel you are too busy. A combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise and plenty of sleep helps relieve stress.
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WE WILL GO THROUGH SOME TIPS ON WAYS TO MANAGE EXAM STRESS.
Acknowledge your feelings. It is normal to feel stressed at exam time. However, if you are feeling especially stressed or depressed, you may want to look at everything you are doing see if there are one or two things you can cut out until you feel better. Be sure to talk to someone if you feel this way.
If you feel stressed or overwhelmed, it is important to speak with the adults in your life. They may not be aware of just how much pressure you are feeling to get everything done. Talk to a parent, teacher or counsellor, and ask for help in dealing with stress.
