Exam stress is something that is natural, given that exams are so heavily focused on in the latter years of school and dealing with this is something that can help reduce some of that. Putting your well-being first and having coping strategies before you enter an exam can help you in the long run.
- Prioritise: Focusing on what you need to work on the most!
Creating a schedule based around topics you struggle with the most will help turn what you don’t know into something that you do.
Whilst planning your schedule, look into what your school offers in terms of revision sessions and include these into your timetable where you feel they are needed. Each revision session will cover different topics, and they can cover what you are struggling with.
- Breaks: Improves productivity when you are revising!
Taking breaks helps create a good work/life balance. It doesn’t always mean simply stepping away from the desk, it’s about doing something you enjoy. It’s always good to take 10-minute intervals as they allow you to recharge. However, adding longer periods of time away from revision where you spend time with family, friends or doing something you enjoy allows you to fully decompress.
- Good habits: Allows you to create a foundation of being able to achieve your goals!
Setting what your goals are at the beginning will allow you to be able to build good habits around them. You’ll be able to effectively work towards them better as you can set tasks and activities based on those goals. When you are setting goals, be realistic as you are more likely to sustain good habits.
If you are finding it hard to keep good habits, start rewarding yourself after completing a task. For example, treating yourself to your favourite snack after completing a task. This will allow your brain to associate a certain task with getting a particular reward afterwards.
If you have study leave, why not try treating your revision like any school day. You don’t have to do a full day of work like you would in school but do your revision in the normal school hour window. Starting with taking simple actions and building it up to work towards your goals. For example, create post it notes on a topic and stick them around your room. Then spend 10-15 minutes a day reviewing your notes, making it a little bit more fun by creating games.
When the time comes to do your exams, all you can do is your best. Allow yourself time to answer each question, starting with the questions that you know how to answer first. There are things that can be put in place to help you if you need it so don’t be afraid to reach out for support.