Managing Exam Stress
You may start to feel that you are overwhelmed with everything that is happening around you. You are about to leave SSC Balmain campus and go to SSC Blackwattle Bay Campus, you also have your final exams in a week. Stress is a normal condition that most people will experience throughout their lives. At times a small amount of stress can motivate individuals to get things done. However, stress can also be continuous and intense and this is when it can impact an individual’s physical and mental health. Although stress is experienced differently from person to person here is a list of helpful hints to assist you in times of stress.
Students are to number the handy hints for managing stress to identify strategies that may work best for them. The strategies are taken from the Black Dog institute.
Activity 1: Be prepared
Students are going to create their own study timetable as well as a checklist for prior to each exam. This should include equipment required, for example when is your maths exam? Do you need a calculator? Write on your timetable and add a reminder in your phone.
Students are to number the handy hints for managing stress to identify strategies that may work best for them. The strategies are taken from the Black Dog institute.
- Daily routines: Consistency is key when managing stress, it helps you feel more in control. It may be as easy as walking your dog in the morning.
- Get your priorities straight! Make a list of things you need to achieve in put them in order of importance.
- It is okay to say no. Although you want to be able to do everything, is that always realistic, don’t take on more than you can handle.
- Don’t bottle things up. Talk to those around you, friends, family, teachers etc. They are here to help and can get you back on track.
- Take time for you! This may be going for a walk, reading, listening to music or watching an episode of your favourite TV show. Give your brain a break.
- Get up and be active! Physical activity is one of the best stress releases. Maintain physical activity when you are stressed. It’s as simple as walking or going to the park with friends to throw the Frisbee around or kick the football.
- You need sleep! You need to rest your brain, it is important to get at least 8 hours of sleep before your exams to ensure optimal levels of focus.
- If you are still feeling stressed, make sure you speak up. Talk to your friends, family, year Advisers or someone you feel comfortable and supported by. There are also external agencies that can help including eHeadSpace and the Black Dog Institute.
Activity 1: Be prepared
Students are going to create their own study timetable as well as a checklist for prior to each exam. This should include equipment required, for example when is your maths exam? Do you need a calculator? Write on your timetable and add a reminder in your phone.
Activity 2:
Students are to pair up and think of three or four key terms for each subject they study. In the pairs, they are to play hangman to guess the terms. Once the term has been guessed, students should write the definition and if possible, provide a relevant example. An example would be: factorise an equation: find the common factor and put remaining factors into brackets. Another example is Harm Minimisation: focusing on reducing the impact a negative choice may have on an individual and the community.
Students are to pair up and think of three or four key terms for each subject they study. In the pairs, they are to play hangman to guess the terms. Once the term has been guessed, students should write the definition and if possible, provide a relevant example. An example would be: factorise an equation: find the common factor and put remaining factors into brackets. Another example is Harm Minimisation: focusing on reducing the impact a negative choice may have on an individual and the community.