Dear students
Welcome to the March edition of our safety and wellbeing newsletter
Exam season can be a stressful time for anyone. You may be worried about your results, keeping up with friends, fitting everything into your day, making your loved ones proud and a big mix of other things. At times passing your exams can feel like you’re looking at a huge mountain, working out how to climb it.
However, it’s your choice how to respond to this challenge and although it might not feel like it at times, you are able to control how much this stresses you out. Trying to climb a mountain by only looking at the summit, the end result is impossible, mountain climbers plan out their route and then focus on one part of the journey at a time. Sometimes focussing only on that next single step. This is your chance to take control of that worry and stress, make a plan and continue on your journey one step at a time. You’re already a huge way into your journey.
The Wellbeing Team
Be realistic
Don’t burn yourself out trying to revise too much in one day – you'll likely forget most of it and then be more stressed as a result. Set yourself achievable goals for each day/revision session. Pushing your limits is great, but this will come naturally with time. It is best to focus on what feels manageable for you now. You may find it effective to follow a revision timetable to avoid overworking. There are many apps and websites that can help plan your revision; here are a few:
|
|
Take care of yourself!
Make sure you are taking regular breaks (this includes from looking at screens), and make sure you are making time to eat, drink lots of water and get a decent amount of sleep –you won’t be functioning your best when you feel like a zombie. Don’t stop doing those hobbies and interests that refresh and recharge you, these help keep you mentally strong to continue your revision. When climbing your mountain don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view throughout your journey, take a moment to consider how far you have come since you first started your course.
|
|
Keep calm and don't let the pressure build up
Of course there are going to be stressful moments; maybe you’ve left too much to the last minute or there’s a bit of work that you just can’t wrap your head around. It’s important in these moments to stay calm, be mindful and remember that how to respond to the stress is what’s important. Remind yourself that it is not the end of the world if you don't get the results you want right now, there are always other options. Do something to help take your mind to a peaceful place. This could be listening to music, lighting a candle, making a cup of tea, doing some yoga or go for a walk or a run - do what works best for you and if your not sure yet, try a few things and see.
Perhaps you want to try getting into meditating? Headspace have some great guided meditation videos to follow on Netflix; take a look at them through this link: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81280926
|
|
Don't compare yourself with others
Everyone learns at different rates and in different ways. Even if it feels that your peers are doing better than you now, that doesn’t mean you won’t surpass them in the future. Nurture your own talents; we are all capable of growing. Being able to acknowledge other people’s success but stay focussed on your own self-improvement will allow you to reach your potential faster.
|
|
Talk to someone
Stress, worry and anxiety can be difficult to manage on your own and pressure can build up. Sometimes just having a chat with someone can undo that knot that’s been slowly getting tighter and release that pressure. Maybe this person is a friend, partner, parent or a supportive professional. Even if you feel you have no one to speak to, there are many places where you can speak to other struggling students online. You are not alone! Here are some websites/apps with online chats/discussion boards:
|
|
|
Looking for more info? Here are some great pages for advice and techniques on how to handle exam stress:
|
|
|
It is normal to feel a bit worried about exams, especially if you're under pressure from school or family. Exam stress can cause you to feel anxious or depressed, and this might affect your sleeping or easting habits. If you recognise any of these feelings, or are worried that exam pressure if taking over your life, you are not alone, and there are things you can do. Find out more.
|
|
|
Get tips on coping with assessment stress and pressure, plus how to deal with pressure from your family and how to stop worrying about not getting the grades that you need.
Find out more.
|
|
|
Exam time is really not easy, so you won't be alone in feeling a bit overwhelmed by revision from time to time. But remember: you got this - and these stress-busting tips can hugely help.
Find out more.
|
|
|
Check out this brilliant article on how NOT to cope with exam stress. Here are some highlights: Don't set yourself ridiculous goals. Nobody can revise 10 topics in a day! Avoid setting the day up to be a disappointment.
Find out more.
|
|
|
|
|
