Exam Stress

When we are facing something important or new like exams, it can cause a lot of pressure and can make people feel anxious, stressed or uneasy. This might affect your sleeping, eating habits and can even feel overwhelming.

If you recognise any of these feelings or feel that exam pressure is hard to manage, please remember that you are not alone.

There are things you can do to help yourself:

Let your trusted friends and family know if you are struggling so they can support and encourage you and offer a listening ear. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Talk through your concerns with your teacher/tutor who can let you know what support is available in your school, college or university. They will have spoken to lots of students before who are going through similar things so will understand and support you.
Be kind to yourself. Try to find balance by taking regular breaks, make time for things you enjoy and remind yourself of all the things you’ve achieved so far.

Exams and mental Health Video

Which of these are good ways to deal with exam stress?

Planning out your revision schedule including regular breaks square

True
or false?

True! Making sure you have a plan helps you manage your revision and split it into manageable chunks with planned revision breaks too.

Listening to some uplifting music square

True
or false?

True! Listening to music is great for releasing those feel good hormones.

Eating a good balanced diet square

True
or false?

True! Eating a balanced diet is going to help you mentally during exams.

Stop doing the things you enjoy square

True
or false?

False! Balance is key. Exams are important but so are hobbies and seeing friends or family. It is okay to have breaks to enjoy these moments.

Getting plenty of sleep square

True
or false?

True! A good night sleep is vital for you performing your best in your exams. Getting a good night sleep helps reduce your stress hormones as well as making sure you energy levels are as high as possible.

Going for a walk square

True
or false?

True! Going for a walk is a form of physical activity which is good for releasing the feel-good hormones in the brain.

Doing some exercise square

True
or false?

True! Taking a walk or doing something active can relieve the stress, help with focus or concentration and boost your mood.

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