Managing Exam Stress Not all stress is negative If you are stressed, it means you care Too much stress affects exam performance

How to spot exam stress Tired Achy Cry, feel sad Panic attacks Poor sleep Stomach upsets Skin rashes Colds and ‘flu

Develop a positive mindset Imagine passing – transform stress into positive energy ‘I can do it’ Think about what you will do after It’s only an exam! Chance to show off what you know Can be helpful You will be the same person after You have already passed some exams!

Stopping negative thoughts Thought stopping technique Use a mantra Focus Bridging objects Self talk

How to prepare 1 Divide study into chunks of 30-40 mins with a break in between Divide each day into 3 units. Divide topics to be covered into units Make a revision timetable Switch between different methods of revision Start with an easy topic

How to prepare 2 Take exercise Relaxation therapies Get a good night’s sleep Feed your brain Drink plenty of fluids Keep up iron levels

Stating the obvious You have to revise!! Leave in plenty of time to get there Make sure you have all your equipment ready the night before Avoid too many caffeine containing drinks Don’t wind each other up with what might or might not come up in the exam

Parent/carers have a role too Encourage don’t push Use love and affection not criticism and humiliation Failure is not the end of the world – for them or you! Let them know that pass or fail, you still love them

On the day Make yourself comfortable Take a few deep breaths Turn paper over and take 5 min to read each question twice Work out how long to spend on each section Allow time to check answers over at end Tackle questions you are certain of first, then go back

If you feel panicky … Put down your pen and relax. Close your eyes and breathe deeply Shake your arms Positive self talk Sniff some essential oil from a handkerchief

The ‘F’ word FAILURE is a verb not a noun If you fail, it does not make you a failure If at first you don’t succeed, try doing something differently and do it again! If things do not go as expected, use the opportunity to go in a new direction If you never fail, you are clearly not trying hard enough …