3 Ways to Reduce Exam Stress

Examinations are tough. Taking exams after two years of school disruption, that’s something else.

Stuart creator of the STILL Method shares his top ways to help.

1 Find a tool that helps each individual feel calm. It can be anything, a breathing technique getting cold etc. The important thing is finding a tool that works. During STILL Method programs we call these a STOP.

2Spend lots of time chatting about what comes after the exam. By focusing on what comes next, the exams begin to feel inevitable. This may appear a strange aim, however knowing a difficult thing is inevitable is much better for our mental health than trying to avoid it. When we know a challenge is coming we can begin to visualise those strategies for success.

3Reminding young people they are not alone. Help them to identify who is there to help and in what role. Anxiety sends us into feelings of isolation and can make us focus on survival based on our own skill, and forget that people are a powerful resources.

Finally, start preparing now the sooner we begin the better the outcome. If you would like to know more about how we can help young people with exam anxiety get in touch.