Education Boutique’s Top 3 Tips for:

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety Around Study and Exams

1. Look after yourself

• Have a good night’s sleep – try not to stay up too late cramming. A good night’s sleep will keep you fresh and focussed for the day ahead.
• Chat to a trusted adult or peer about how you are feeling. Parents, teachers and friends all want what is best for you.
• Eat well before you study – have healthy, balanced meals which include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and remember to stay hydrated. We can often fall into the trap of munching on sweets and other sugary products which will give you a short term boost, but soon make you tired and less focused.
• Ensure you schedule regular breaks into your study timetable, taking time to: exercise; read (for enjoyment!); watch your favourite tv show or film; chat to a friend (not about study!); get creative – bake, make or paint! Or any other interest and hobbies.

2. Be Organised

• Create a study timetable – This will give you a clear focus for each day, you will obviously need to look closely at the dates of your different exams and plan to study subjects accordingly
• Create a to-do list for each day – this along with your timetable will assist you in tracking your progress and is there anything more satisfying than ticking/crossing off tasks from a to-do list?!
• Study in a neat and quiet environment – a neat environment is far less distracting as is a quiet environment, however, you may find playing some music helps you to study.

 3. Social media/phone ban

• Ask someone to mind your phone or put it in another room during scheduled study times. Social media serves as a huge distraction. This isn’t to say social study sessions should be discouraged, getting together and studying with peers can be very beneficial.

Good luck and be kind to yourself. Please remember that at the end of the day these are just exams and they do not and will not define you. Your wellbeing and mental health are much more important and if at any time you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed please reach out.

Brooke McClure, Lead Resource Teacher at Education Boutique