How to stay happy and healthy during exams
“A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support” The Duchess of Cambridge
With some of our pupils sitting internal and external exams in the coming weeks, we thought it was pertinent to point out that today sees the start of Mental Health Awareness week.
It would be unusual for a child not to feel under a bit of pressure during exam season; it’s an unavoidable part of student life.
But it’s crucial that the children don’t allow stress to be their downfall and, instead, use it to drive and improve their work. Exam stress can be caused by low motivation levels; lack of preparation and planning, high expectations from others and competition from peers.
At St Andrew’s Prep, we have a comprehensive PSHE scheme of work, our own Mind Matters Programme and an an independent listener to help our pupils with any concerns they may have.
And at home, it is important that parents help their children to overcome their concerns.
Listed below are some ways to tackle exam nerves and stress:
- Listening to classical music can provide a calm and positive environment in which to work and boost brain power for longer
- Heading outside and taking exercise has been proven to boost your memory
- Drawing up a revision timetable ensures pupils are more productive and motivated each day
- The benefits of sleep cannot be underestimated as it helps your brain to assimilate new knowledge into your long-term memory so that you can recall it on exam day.
- Unbelievably, eating dark chocolate fights the stress hormone, cortisol, and chocolate releases endorphins to relax the body and mind. But a balanced diet boosted by plenty of water is key.
- Speaking to a family member will often lead to children seeing the bigger picture instead of simply the looming test ahead, which will empower them to rise above exam stress
- And last but not least, leave your gadgets and phones outside your room to avoid distraction and time wasting which, in turn, will cause stress!
Good luck to all our pupils who have exams in the coming weeks. Stay happy and healthy, inside and out.
