Exam Stress

Prepare and plan! Often we already know the things we 'should' be doing, but putting it into practice can feel like a slog. Setting out exactly what you are doing to do and when you're doing to do it takes the mental load off and is easier to get started. With routine, this gets easier and easier the more often we do it. Have a look at the example study plan below.

Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is when we consolidate information and, when you're studying, there's a lot of information to remember! Making sure you get 8-10 hours per night really is essential. Sleep is one of the most natural things our body can do, but can seem difficult if we are anxious. There are lots of ideas for help with sleep throughout this page, but the E-Sgoil video below has good advice about emptying your brain before falling asleep during the exam period.

Make use of study tips. Our brains can hold between 5 and 9 bits of information at any one time. Once an association with the thing you're learning about is made, that piece of information goes into our long-term memory. It's therefore helpful to 'chunk' large bits of learning into smaller, more digestible items. You can do this by making a mind map, summaries, colour coding, or even making up an anagram or silly song about it!

Looking after your wellbeing. Self-care is important for looking after your mental wellbeing - and even more so in exams! This doesn't have to mean adding more to your to-do list, it's about making sure the things you are already doing are investments for you. Eating well and regularly, drinking lots of water and aiming for 30 mins of exercise a day are healthy things to focus on.