Editorial Nov 22
Exam Stress: How to Cope
Let’s talk about exam stress, as a year 11 myself I know what it’s like.
You’re doing all this work and revision at any chance you have but it feels like nothing is sticking in your head or, it can feel like any time you try to sit down and revise you lose focus and motivation, you say “I’ll just come back to it tomorrow,” but you don’t and when you start struggling it’s like you can’t stop. It’s like quicksand, drawing you in so much you can’t get out. Except you can.
You’re not alone
If you’re a young person going through similar stuff, or a parent whose young person is going through this then you’re not alone. Many people at my school feel the same, especially with the upcoming mock exams this term.
If you’re like me, then you get stressed out very easily and if one thing doesn’t go right then you just leave it and never go back, this leaves you feeling even more stressed than before. This is one of the worst ways to deal with exam stress; it gets you nowhere and makes matters worse. Next time this happens ask for help, it can be from a parent, a sibling or even a friend who is feeling the same, there are probably more people feeling like this than you think!
Find what works for you
There are many different ways to cope with these feelings, but the most important thing is finding the way that works for you. Now, this can take time and it can seem useless but once you get the hang of it revision becomes a lot easier, even when it’s for the hardest subjects. There are apps that can help you to distress and relax the mind when feeling overwhelmed. For example, if you are struggling to sleep and calm down before bed, the app ‘Calm: Sleep & Meditation’ might be useful to you. It helps tackle everyday stress and anxiety, has stories to choose from that you can fall asleep to and guided meditation sessions.
Get active?
Another way to cope with the stress and pressure of exams is getting active. Recently I have been using the app ‘NHS Couch to 5K’ the app takes you through a series of weekly runs with recovery intervals of walking. There are nine weeks involved and the aim is to be able to run a full 5K without stopping, you can pick your own celebrity coach from the options given and it is a great way to calm your mind and ease distress.
Focus ‘App’
Furthermore, if you are struggling to focus during revision, the app ‘Flora’ is great for this. You can set the amount of time you want to study for and a little plant grows as you go but, if you click off the app to do something else on you device, the plant stops growing and your progress isn’t saved.
or … Ask for help
I hope this has helped if you are struggling, remember your grades do not define you and it isn’t the end of the world if you don’t get the ones you want. Find a revision plan and distress techniques that work for you and there are always people around that you can talk to and ask for help.
Alice Bettinson
Editorial Volunteer
Christmas at Pennbury Farm
