Exam time is fast approaching, with students and teachers busy preparing for the forthcoming GCSEs in the Summer term. As former teachers ourselves, we know all too well how challenging this time can be and so we've put together a few useful tips on how to cope with exam stress.
Stress Management
It's common to worry about a forthcoming exam but exam stress can cause physical and emotional strain. Stress can be a helpful motivator and help us raise our game when faced with a challenge but too much stress can make us shut down and feel anxious and tense. If you're feeling overwhelmed, then take a break from your studies to do something you enjoy. Pause, re-focus and come back feeling refreshed and energised. Take a bath, go out for some fresh air, listen to your favourite music, connect with friends & family or get some exercise. Giving your mind and body time to relax is an important part of revision planning and will ensure the time you spend studying more effective.
Here are some useful links offering advice on how to manage exam stress:
Young Minds- coping with exam stress- https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/
Open University- coping with exam stress- https://help.open.ac.uk/coping-with-exam-stress
2. Have a revision plan
Take time at the start of the revision process to create a revision plan & timetable will make a huge difference as you'll feel in control of your studies. If you're not sure how to do this, speak to your teacher or family or use the handy planner below. Feeling in control and being able to tick off tasks can make a big difference. It will also help you plan in time for breaks as well as to ensure all the key areas you need to study are completed.
Revision planner template
To help, we've found a free revision planner that you can download to help you manage your time. https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t4-c-19-secondary-blank-revision-timetable-timetable
3. Exercise & Revision
Studies have found that exercise is a great stress reliever and really helps to focus and clear the mind. Finding time in your day to get outside and exercise will make you feel and think better. When you do any type of intense physical activity, it causes blood to flow to the brain. This in turn fires up your neurones and promotes cell growth, particularly in the hippocampus. This means that just 20 minutes of exercise before studying can improve your concentration and help you focus your learning.
Revision flash cards & exercise
If you're having a bad day with your studies but need to carry on revising, leave your desk and go for a walk with your revision! How can you do this? Get yourself some handy revision flash cards. Revision cards are a brilliant way to summarise key facts and they are very portable too so it means you can go for a walk with your revision, test your memory and have the answers to hand if you need them.
Revision Weekends at High Adventure
To help pupils and teachers prepare for the exam period, we now offer revision weekends that combine revision time with activities and relaxation.
Revision Weekend Schedule
Friday:
Arrive around 2pm
Welcome & Tour
Revision Time
Dinner
Indoor Cave Maze
Saturday
Breakfast
High Ropes
Lunch
Revision Time
Yoga Session or Activity
Dinner
Archery
Sunday
Breakfast
ZipWire
Depart around 12pm
Find out more: You can find out more about our revision weekends via our website https://www.highadventure.co.uk/revision-weekends
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