Tips for managing Leaving Cert. exam stress
If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed about the upcoming exams, remember you are not alone. It is a very common reaction for many students at this time of the year.
The first thing to clarify for yourself is where is this stress coming from? Is it from your friends? Your parents/ guardians? Your own expectations of yourself? Think about it and write down the source of your stress. Many young people I meet blame their own expectations of themselves as their sole source of stress. Many admit to being very hard on themselves and feel they must do well to be successful or else they are a complete failure. This is a very unhelpful way for anyone to think. So, to begin you must start being kinder to yourself. Become aware of your thoughts and start talking to yourself with more care and compassion. These exams won’t define you. All you can do is your best, and you need to take care of yourself in the process.
It is vital that you do some form of exercise now and over the course of your exams. It may involve going for a brisk walk, or a jog. Try to fit in about one hour a day. It will help to eliminate any anxious energy you have, and you will feel better and more energised for study.
Sleep is also so important in helping to manage stress. Create a bedtime routine free from distractions such as the mobile phone. Exercise will also help you to sleep better. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try using lavender spray on your pillow or read for 30 mins. to help you wind down from your busy day.
It is a good idea to set realistic targets for your exam results and research course/ career options for after the exams. There are many pathways into various careers without 600 points! Develop your dream plan as well as your back up plan so that you are prepared for all eventualities.
Eat well and limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine and energy drinks can give you a short lift. But they're not good for you in the long term. They can make you feel sick, shaky, anxious and can interfere with your sleep and your ability to concentrate. Try swapping a cup of tea/ coffee for a cup of warm water or camomile tea. It will help you feel calmer.
Remember that stress is normal and can be useful in moderation. A certain level of stress can help us focus and as a result we are more productive. The problem is when we get too stressed and overwhelmed, it can hinder our performance. If you are feeling very stressed, reach out and talk to someone you can trust like a parent/ guardian, family member, teacher, or a friend. “A problem shared is a problem halved”.