Even for the most prepared student, exams can be a stressful time. Whether GCSEs, A Levels or even just an end-of-term paper, they are an essential part of education. Stress and nerves are the bread, butter and routine of a student, whilst aiming to stay focused and motivated; however, too much of either can impact their performance.
So how can students manage exam stress? We have taken a closer look at some top tips:
Create a plan
The saying “fail to prepare, prepare to fail” is very accurate regarding revision. That is why one of the best ways students can reduce stress around exam time is to ensure they are preparing in advance.
To do this, they should create a table of what exams they have, the dates are on, and the topics they need to revise. This will ensure they can allocate enough time to cover everything required, leaving them feeling calmer and less stressed.
1. Avoid distractions
It can be very easy for students to become distracted when revising. Checking on social media or having the television on in the background is incredibly disruptive and reduces the quality of learning. That is why when creating their revision plan; students should allocate set blocks of thirty minutes where they avoid doing anything other than their studies. Once they have done that, they can pause for ten minutes before restarting.
2. Eat well and get active.
As the exam draws closer, students must eat well and remain active. Exercise is a proven way to reduce stress, while the proper diet can help to improve brain power and focus.
3. Study together
Trying to study and revise alone can be lonely and only increase feelings of stress and anxiety. That is why students should look to create small study groups, allowing them to quiz each other on specific topics and support each other as needed.
4. Get enough sleep
With the nerves and stress around exam time, it can be hard to get enough rest. Students need to ensure that they get enough sleep ahead of the big day, as this will help them remain calm and focused on the tasks at hand.
5. Avoid the post-mortem
Stress does not end once the exam is over. Many students go over every question and answer in their head, increasing the pressure. That is why they should go and take their mind off the exam by doing something fun that they will enjoy.
Get exam ready with Improve ME Institute.
If your loved ones are stressed by exam time, then Improve ME Institute is here to help them. Tutoring is a great way to help give students the confidence to enter their exams free from stress.
We focus on providing in-depth lessons to primary and secondary-level students using our proven materials. We cover every subject on the curriculum, so get in touch with our team today to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is exam stress so common among students?
Exams are an important part of education, and the pressure to perform well can naturally lead to stress and anxiety for many students.
How does creating a revision plan help reduce stress?
A revision plan helps students stay organised and manage their time effectively, reducing last-minute pressure and helping them feel more in control.
What are some effective ways to stay focused while revising?
Avoiding distractions such as social media and television, and studying in short, focused sessions with regular breaks, can greatly improve concentration.
Why are sleep and a healthy lifestyle important during exam time?
Getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active help reduce stress, improve focus, and support overall exam performance.
How can tutoring help students feel more confident about exams?
Tutoring provides structured support and personalised guidance, helping students strengthen their understanding and approach exams with greater confidence.