According to a report in the Telegraph in
the UK a toxic mix of exam pressure, celebrity culture and the
internet is
fuelling mental health problems among
schoolchildren, according to a leading UK headmistress.
Similar reports have abounded during the final exams in Australia
with headlines including High Stress Crisis,
Reducing HSC stress,
for parents and students and Different HSC
years, same symptoms.
Are you seeing similar issues with your students as they prepare
to sit their exams? If so here is some practical advice that you
can provide to students to help them manage the workload
and associated stress.
Effective
study habits - Many people feel overwhelmed at exam
time - having to revise a lot of information in a short space of
time and not understanding course material can be a big stress.
Check out Exam time: Hints for effective studying for more
practical advice on effective study techniques.
Keep routine outside studying + take regular
breaks - It's important to have regular study breaks and
time for relaxation and exercise. Going for a walk, run, or to the
gym is not a waste of time, it is a great way to clear your head
and help you study better.
Watching your favourite TV show or going to the movies are also
good ways to take a break from studying. Check out the fact sheet
on Relaxation for more ideas to help you relax.
Limit Caffeine - Coffee, no-doz, V give you a
short lift before making you crash and burn. They can make you
feel sick, and unable to sleep or concentrate properly. You
actually study better with regular breaks, getting lots of sleep,
and from exercising (really!).
Have a
number of options for the future - Getting the marks
to get into your first preference is great, but it's not the end of
the world if you don't - there are other options to get into your
course. These include deferring and getting some practical
experience in your field, doing further study, writing to the
university, retaking some subjects in some cases, or transferring
in after a year or two. And, if you do accept another offer, you
may find that you like it even more.
Manage
expectations - External pressures around exams can be
huge. It can be hard to deal with, especially with family and
people you respect, but you need to remember that it's your life
and your exam, with you in control.
Look after your body - It's easy to let exams
get on top of you and to forget to look after yourself. If possible
try to get a good nights sleep. It's a good time to make an effort
to eat healthy, including eating plenty of fruits and
vegetables.
Ask for + accept support - If you're feeling
overwhelmed, you might find it helpful to talk to a teacher or
counsellor. It's also important to ask for, and accept,
support from your family if you can. This support might be
practical, like picking you up from the library, or emotional,
including advice or help.
More practical ideas and information on managing the pressures of school, uni and
exams can be found on the ReachOut.com website.
Check it out!