Managing Exam Stress

Here’s some advice from Cardiff University on what you can do to help yourself with…

Set out plenty of revision time well in advance of your exams – around six weeks is usually enough, but leave yourself more time if you feel like you might need it. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Make sure you’re revising effectively. Focus on essential materials and be active rather than sitting and reading for hours at a time.
Ask your tutor or lecturer for help if you get stuck during your revision.
Try not to focus your whole life on revision.
Make sure to take regular breaks, have days off and get enough sleep.
Eat well – your brain needs energy and fuel to make the most of your revision time.
Talk to your friends and family about your worries rather than bottling things up!
Exercise and relaxation techniques (such as meditation or yoga) are fantastic ways to take your mind off your work if worry is starting to have an effect on you.

Learn a relaxation technique in advance so that you can utilise it if you need to.
Try to avoid working too close to the exam – don’t stay up late the night before or get up early on the morning of. A good night’s sleep is more valuable than an extra few hours of revision.
Watch a funny movie or read a funny book – humour is a great way to take your mind off of your worries.
Make sure you’re thoroughly prepared for the exam to minimise your worries. Check that you’ve got the right time and location, pack your pencil case with everything you might need and lay out your clothes for the next day.
Remember to eat – your brain will need the fuel in the exam! Dry bread, crackers and cereal all help settle a churning stomach.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Repeat this whenever you begin to feel anxious.
Read through the instructions and questions slowly and carefully, highlighting key points.
Plan your answers. This is important as it helps your writing flow and means you don’t end up panicking and going off on tangents.
Answer the easiest question first if you feel like this will relax you.
If you start to feel unwell, have a drink and close your eyes for a few seconds. Shake your arms and move your head from side to side to release the tension.
If you need to, let an invigilator know how you’re feeling and ask to step outside for a minute. Fresh air may be just what you need to calm down.

Watch the university’s series of videos to learn some relaxation techniques.

The NHS have a specific part of their webiste to help you prepare for exams.

Emotional Wellbeing