Stressed about your exams?
Stressed about your exams?
Everyone feels pressure from exams and coursework deadlines – it comes with the territory unfortunately, but there are things you can do to help keep your cool, stay in control and not let stress become a problem.
In partnership with Leeds website MindMate, young people have shared some of their top tips to help you get through the next few weeks:
“As well as creating a timetable for revision, schedule in time for yourself! It is very important, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, to make sure that you look after yourself and do something you enjoy. Try to strike an even balance between study and ‘me time’.” Hannah
“Try to hold on to the fact that you can and will do your best and that will be good enough. Stress can be so counter-productive but if you work on feeling calmer before the exam (maybe try a little Mindfulness) you will be able to focus better. Also I think it’s totally ok to not hang out with your friends afterwards and dissect the paper! It used to make me feel much worse and worry, but actually just walking away and getting some exam free space was much more helpful!” Kate
“Make time management plans and sleep. Those are my top tips. Also talk to other people about your worries. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, try different methods of revision and remember to take a break once in a while.” Gemma
“Remember, whatever the result, there will always be another way to get where you want to go, it’s more important that you are as happy and healthy as you can be.” Amy
Visit www.mindmate.org.uk for tips, ideas and resources that can help – including our Feeling stressed or worried page which includes links to short meditation and Mindfulness videos – techniques that can be really effective in helping you feel calmer, and a brilliant Stress Less action plan from charity Mind, with loads of stress-busting ideas.
Remember, some stress at this time is a perfectly natural reaction, but when you have too much stress it can have a negative effect – especially if it lasts a long time. If you feel it’s affecting you badly, speak to someone you can trust like a family member, your GP or staff member at school. There are also services that can help you and you can find out more on MindMate’s What’s in Leeds for me page.
