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With both GCSEs and A-levels just round the corner (sorry to remind everyone) I thought it would be a good time to share how I cope with exam stress and how I revise. I am no expert and everyone has different strategies/coping mechanisms but I thought it might be helpful to share mine. I, like many others put extreme pressure on myself to get the top marks/ grades. Of course this is a good thing but this level of pressure can cause you to stress out unnecessarily. In no way am I saying don’t aim high, not at all! What I am saying is learn how to deal with the stress leading up to exams. So… here are some ways that I find useful to help get out of a ‘stress spiral’ (yes, I just made that phrase up lol). 1. Exercise As an athlete, exercise is big part of my life but even if you are not into sport, during exams exercise can be one of the best stress busters. You don’t have to be going out for a hard run or tough workout but perhaps incorporate a walk (perfect if you have a dog), a swim or yoga (in fact any type of movement to relax/ remove any negative energy and stress) into your day. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE REVSING EVERY HOUR OF EVERYDAY! GET SOME FRESH AIR! 2. Take breaks This is essential to avoid burnout but it also helps reduce stress. I have found that if I am finding something particularly tricky I begin to stress and think I can’t do it but honestly this isn’t helping anyone. I walk away, do something else so I can come back to it with a fresh mind. For me this has been really helpful in remaining productive. I get to a certain point when my revision isn’t worthwhile because I am not focused. At this point I will go for a swim/ do my training or take the dog for a walk. 3. Take time to go out I don’t mean going clubbing every weekend but I am saying allow yourself to still have a social life. Go out for that coffee with your friend/family, don’t just cut yourself off from society and become a hermit. 4. Sleep Simple- get enough sleep. If you are staying up late stressing over a certain topic/ question, go to sleep, wake up in the morning with a clear head and try it again. If you are constantly staying up later and later to try and fit X amount of hours of revision in your productivity is going to decrease. I am definitely guilty of doing this sometimes or I lie in bed stressing so I have found relaxing (reading or watching a bit of TV) before bed is much better than finishing revision and going straight to bed. 5. DON’T COMPARE AMOUNTS OF REVSION WITH OTHERS Recently this has been my biggest form of (unnecessary) stress. As exams are getting closer everyone is talking about the number of hours of revision they do each day. This makes me stress that I am not doing the ‘correct’ amount but honestly there is not an X amount of hours you should be doing to get that grade. Yes, schools suggest a certain number but it is ultimately down to you as an individual. If you can have a really productive 4/5 hours but when you try 7 hours the last few hours are just procrastinating and not helpful, what is the point? Just so you can say you did 7hours? FIND YOUR BALANCE. Hope this helps with reducing your stress during exams and just remember; EVERYTHING IN MODERATION!
Keep your eye out for the 2nd part of this exam series on revision techniques. Also I will be continuing the Athlete Mentality series but it may be after exams as I am asking others to contribute too and currently everyone is very busy. Happy Easter!! Immie <3
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