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Stress Management 101

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Flowers have bloomed, skies have turned cloudless, and spring has sprung - yet, to the typical GCSE or A-Level student, all of this signifies one thing: the final countdown to summer examinations. Tensions will be running high all across the board, but this article has you covered, with six different ways to manage stress levels, and ace these exams.

First of all: feeling stressed is completely normal at this point in time. There’s a huge amount of pressure placed on GCSE and A-Level students, and while it’s important to work hard, it’s even more important to remember that they’re not the be-all and end-all. The best advice would be to view them as stepping stones for the next steps in your academic journey: whether that’s college, university, a gap year... To put things into perspective, in a few years time, nobody will be asking what grades you got on results day. Now let’s get into some practical advice!


  1. Learn to balance work and relaxation. Try phoning a friend, taking a hot bath, or starting a new book to step away from your revision for some time. Not only will this prevent burnout, but you’ll go back feeling refreshed, productive, and ready to tackle the next thing on your to-do list!

  2. Research suggests that sleep deprivation is linked to worsened moods, difficulty learning, and poor performance - so don't neglect your sleep schedule. Aim to get 8 hours a night, avoid caffeine unless necessary, and take power naps when needed.

  3. Guided imagery can also be a useful tool. Take ten minutes to sit in a quiet, comfortable place, close your eyes, and visualise a peaceful scene. Apps such as Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer are great options if you need help detaching and reducing your body’s stress response.

  4. Finding time for exercise might seem to be a challenge, but the results will be worth it. Maybe start your day with some yoga in the morning if you’re an early riser, opt to walk/cycle to school, or join an extracurricular sport club. Local gyms are also an option if you’re looking to commit to a monthly membership - make sure to look out for student discounts on these.

  5. Although it sounds complicated, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is essentially the tensing and relaxing of your muscles until your body is free of tension. With practice, you can learn to release stress in seconds, making it a quick fix before a speech/exam, dealing with a disagreement, or just before bed for a deep night’s sleep.

  6. Something as simple as completing a task which cuts down your workload may help. Plan your time to help you keep track of deadlines, and break your work down into manageable chunks. And for a more long-term solution, evaluate the things that are bringing anxiety into your life: are they necessary? This might mean limiting your social media use, or learning to say no to requests for your time, energy and resources.


While these habits may be challenging at first, learning how to prioritize yourself and your mental health is an important step towards improving your wellbeing, and reducing your stress levels.




References:


https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179


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