Stress - Taking the stress out of revision and exams

> To make the exams as stress free as possible, you need to think ahead – start planning your revision and the run up to them in advance!
> Give yourself time to work out what suits you best. We don’t all work in the same way – what suits some people doesn’t suit everyone.

> It is important to make sure you complete your assignments or coursework (if you have some) in good time. Take care with this as you can earn valuable marks if these are done well OR lose marks if it is left to the last minute.

> Make a revision plan and stick to it! Don’t forget to leave some time to eat, sleep and relax. Work little and often.

> Plan breaks – think about what helps you to relax.

The Plan
Make a revision timetable:-

> Don’t overload yourself
> Plan to work a little and often
> Find the space where you can work best
> Be comfortable – make sure the light is good
> Some people work best in silence, others like to listen to music
> Break your subjects down into smaller sections Make notes as you work through – it may help to use different colour pens or highlighter pens
> Do some past papers if you can – that way you will have a good idea about what to expect

REMEMBER THERE ARE PEOPLE TO HELP YOU.
- your parents/guardians, teachers and friends. You can talk to them if you are unsure about some work or feel that you don’t understand. Talking helps, don’t bottle things up!

Stressbusters!
Some suggestions for relaxation time:-

> ACTIVE - (dancing, football, swimming, tennis, walking)
> EXPENSIVE – (shopping)
> STIMULATING – (watching TV, videos or films, or listening to music)
> DARING – (Abseiling, bungee jumping, or parachute jumping)
> RESTFUL – (having a bath, eating your favourite food massage, aromatherapy, getting into a good book)
> DON’T FORGET TO DO SOME WORK!
> Alcohol, drugs and cigarettes won’t help, you’ll be better if you stay healthy!

Useful Websites
NHSDirect 0845 46 47
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
A 24 hour, 7 days a week telephone helpline for all medical problems. When you ring you will speak to a specially trained nurse who will take you through a series of questions which will identify what the problem is and what the answer is. If it is a medical emergency they will summon an ambulance for you.

Mind body and Soul
The lowdown on health; accurate and up-to-date information to help you make your own decisions about your health.
www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision
BBC revision support

www.revision-notes.co.uk/index.html
Free GCSE, A-Level, IB and University revision material

www.s-cool.co.uk
Free GCSE and A-Level revision material

Leaflet from Childline 'Exam Stress and How to Beat it' download from
www.childline.org.uk/pdfs/examstress.pdf

Booklets from MIND on: 'How to cope with the Stress of Student Life', 'How to Cope with Exam Stress'. 'MIND Guide to Managing Stress' , 'MIND Guide to Relaxation'. Download from
www.mind.org.uk
E-Mail:- Contact@mind.org.uk
Phone: 0845 766 0163

Booklet from Young Minds for 1-16 yr olds 'Stay Cool in School' (includes exam pressure, peer pressure, bullying)
www.youngminds.org.uk
E-Mail:- Enquiries@youngminds.org.uk
Tel: 020 7336 8445

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