Exam season is upon us once again, and this time of year can be an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself and test your new skills. For many people, exam season can be quite stressful. Pressure to do well can make us feel anxious, worried or stressed at times – which are all really normal feelings for a lot of people as exam dates start to get closer.
For some people, these feelings may start to become unmanageable and really overwhelming. Planning for your exams and managing your time can help to break down what feels like a huge mountain to climb. How can you manage your time? Take breaks in between short bursts of revision. Don’t give yourself too much work to do in a short space of time – this will likely make you feel overloaded. Indeed, the revision you do in those conditions is less likely to stick in your mind! Give yourself a timeout when you need it and reward yourself for your achievements so far.
Exam revision is important, but so is taking time for yourself to recharge. Engines can’t run on empty tanks and neither can we. So, it’s important to make time for yourself in the day when you’re not thinking about exams – and it’s important to fill this time with things that help you unwind. What helps you to relax? Self-care has a big impact on our wellbeing, especially during exam season. So don’t neglect your hobbies or downtime when things get tough.
Apps
Do you have a phone or tablet? Apps designed to help you cope are a brilliant way of managing your feelings at home or out and about if you find yourself feeling worried or overwhelmed. There are a number of free apps that can support you with your studies, mental health and wellbeing.
My Study Life: A free planner that helps you to plan your time and break down revision and studying to easy, manageable timeslots throughout your day. A great way to stay on top of things and not get overwhelmed by your workload.
Calm: Daily guided meditation to combat overwhelming worries about exams. Nature-themed background pictures and sounds. A library of ‘Sleep Stories’ which are audiobooks read by a variety of celebrities.
Stop, Breathe & Think: Support and advice for people under the age of 25. The app can guide you through a range of different life challenges (like exams, relationship problems etc.) and encourages you to use the tips to manage your feelings around them. The app also teaches breathing techniques and coping strategies.
Remember, exams and results do not define you as a person. YOU define you as a person. You are important and you matter; before, during and after your exams.
If you are struggling it’s really important to reach out for help. Help is always available for exams and for the way you’re feeling – so don’t suffer in silence. Letting people know you’re struggling can be tough but it is incredibly brave. Make sure you speak to someone you trust so that you aren’t alone with your problems.
We also urge parents, teachers and others to offer their support to young people who are going through exams or may be showing signs that they’re struggling. Explore with them what could help them manage things a little easier, and offer them a safe space to talk about how they’re feeling – especially if they are having thoughts of suicide.
If I’m struggling with thoughts of suicide:
If exam season is overwhelming and you’re struggling to cope, you can contact HOPELINE247 for advice on staying safe from suicide and support with what you’re going through. If you are concerned about someone else who you suspect may be having thoughts of suicide, you can also contact HOPELINE247 for advice on how to support them.
Call HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10am-10pm
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 2pm-10pm
Our Suicide Prevention Advisors are here for you. If you need support give us a call.
Check out our leaflet Coping With Exams for more tips and support with exam stress.
