With the secondary school exam period beginning, here are 10 tips to help students prepare for exams and manage stress:
- Take care of your health. Eat healthy, drink water and get plenty of sleep.
- Plan breaks. Schedule blocks of time for rest and activities that bring you joy. This could be exercise, time outside, extra-curricular activities, connecting with others or enjoying hobbies.
- Stay connected. Maintain social connections and know who you can reach out to for support, including friends, family and school staff.
- Create a study plan. Schedule dedicated blocks of time without distractions.
- Use study methods that work for you. There are lots of different ways to study. Use study techniques and exam preparation strategies that work for you.
- Create a space for studying. Find a place that works best for you - is free of distractions, has a flat surface and proper lighting
- Look after your mental health. There are lots of strategies to help you stay calm and manage stress before, during and after exams. This could include mindfulness strategies, visualization, breathing exercises, positive thinking and more.
- Be prepared on exam day. Arrive early, review all the questions before you begin and read each question carefully.
- Ask for help when needed. Try different strategies and techniques to learn what works for you, and ask for help or support if you need it.
- Practice positive self-talk. Before, during and after the exam, remind yourself for example,, "I am doing my best, I have got this, I am proud of myself/my studying, etc.”
“The exam period can be a stressful time for students and it’s important that they know there are lots of strategies they can use to help them prepare and manage stress during this period,” said Patricia Marra-Stapleton, Mental Health Lead, York Region District School Board. “The caring staff in our schools are there to provide support and guidance and to help students find what works best for them.”
Members of the school board's mental health team met with some students to talk about managing stress and mental health during exams on the Tune In YRDSB podcast. For more tips and strategies on preparation, managing stress and supporting wellness during exams, listen to the podcast episode.
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