Being under pressure is a normal part of life. However if you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by stress, these feelings could start to be a problem for you.
A little bit of stress can be a good thing; as it motivates us to knuckle down and work hard. But exams can make stress levels get out of hand, which can stop us from performing at our best.
See the following DO’s & DON’T’s that can help you beat exam stress:
Make a revision timetable.
Organise your revision into small chunks and form a plan for each day. This will help avoid any dilemmas at the start of the day about what to work on.
Don’t set yourself unrealistic goals.
Nobody can revise 10 topics in a day! Avoid setting the day up to be a disappointment.
Top Tip:
Use apps to temporarily block social media sites so you don’t get distracted (e.g. SelfControl, Cold Turkey).
Make sure you schedule time to do things you enjoy.
Nobody can work all day every day, you deserve time off – go to the cinema, see your friends, spend time with your family.
Don’t cut all enjoyment from your life.
The most productive brain is a rested brain!
Figure out what works for you.
Take time to figure out what revision style works for you. You might focus better on your own, in the quiet, or with a study group. This will make the time you spend revising more effective.
Top Tip:
Use past test papers and check your understanding as you go. This can help you see what is working and get you used to what to expect on the day.
Take regular breaks.
Psychologists say we can only concentrate properly for 35 – 40 minutes at a time.
Don’t chain yourself to your desk.
Spend your break doing something completely different to sitting at your desk.
Top Tip:
Do some exercise – nothing de-stresses the mind faster than physical activity!
Eat well & drink lots of water throughout the revision/exam period.
Have proper breakfasts including on the day of the exam – fuel your brain and body.
Don’t Load up on stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and drugs.
These will hinder your energy and concentration in the long term.
Top Tip:
Eat slow-release foods like bread, rice, pasta, fruit and veg, to keep blood sugars level – this will help to avoid highs and lows of energy.
SLEEP!
Try to get about 8 hours’ sleep a night.
Top Tip:
Wind down before you go to bed – have a warm bath, listen to a relaxation CD, read a book (for pleasure rather than work!) or listen to the radio.
Get yourself organised for exam day.
It can be helpful to pack what you need for the exam the night before, leaving yourself time in the morning to have breakfast and get to the test centre with plenty of time to spare.
Top Tip:
It’s always useful to take a spare pen, pencil and a bottle of water with you on the day. If you have more than one exam on the same day make sure you have lunch – your brain and body needs fuel to keep going.
Avoid comparing yourself to your friends.
Both during revision and after you’ve taken your exams. Everyone approaches revision in different ways, so just make sure you’ve chosen the method that works best for you.
Don’t be put off by your friends saying they do huge amounts of revision a day
In reality that’s probably not true, or isn’t actually working for them.
Top Tip:
Once you’ve done an exam, try to forget about it rather than discussing who put what for every question. It’s too late to change your answers & worrying won’t help.
Results Day.
You might be anxious waiting for exam results, or you didn't get the GCSE, A level or BTEC grades you hoped for. Try to celebrate what you achieved anyway, and avoid comparing yourself with others too much – you got through a difficult and pressured time. There are always other education opportunities and routes you can take.
Find useful tips below on how to manage stress when waiting to hear about exam results or applications for college, university or for a job.
Whatever you do, don't despair on your own, and give yourself time to think and make 'next step' decisions – speak to a teacher at your school or college on results day, or contact a local or national service for help.
Keep everything in perspective.
It’s true when they say ‘exams aren’t everything’ – although it may not seem that way now. Whatever happens in your exams, you can still be successful in life afterwards. (Employers look at more than just your grades – they’re interested in your attitude, practical and people skills too!)
Don’t forget that your exams are just a small part of who you are.
Exam success does not define you, you are so much more.
Top Tip:
Talk to someone you trust if you’re feeling really worried and stressed. It helps to vent! And they may be able to suggest some practical ways to help you deal with the stress.
The following organisations can offer you more help if you need it:
Kooth web: www.kooth.com
Childline helpline: 0800 1111Web: www.childline.org.uk
Samaritans web: www.samaritans.org
And here are some links to other helpful webpages and a video from Merton's U18 COVID Community Champions which has some expert advice about coping with assessment and exam stress:
Mind: 14 Ways to Beat Exam Stress
Childline: Exam Stress and Pressure
Student Minds: Exam Stress
