How to manage stress through exam season
Exam season can be an incredibly stressful time for children, as they face the pressures of performing well in their exams. As a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to support and encourage your child during this time to help them manage their stress and perform to the best of their abilities. Here are some of our favourite tips on helping children manage stress through exam season:
- Encourage regular breaks: Long hours of studying can be exhausting and stressful for children. Encourage your child to take regular breaks while studying to help them recharge and refresh their mind. Make sure they use this time to relax and do something they enjoy.
- Provide healthy snacks: During exam season, it’s common for children to indulge in comforting but unhealthy snacks to cope with their stress. Instead, provide them with healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and yogurt, which can help boost their energy and concentration.
- Establish a good sleep routine: Sleep is crucial for students trying to manage high levels of stress. Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep, follow a fixed sleep routine that allows your child to wind down before bed. Avoid gadgets and screens at least an hour before sleep to avoid overstimulation.
- Help with study organisation: An organized study plan can help children feel more in control and reduce their stress levels. Help your child set realistic goals, establish deadlines, and make sure they have all necessary materials for their exams. Galaxy, our school data management software, provides many resources for children to plan their revision time, understand their exam timetables, and communicate with teachers ahead of their tests.
- Encourage physical activity: Exercise is a great stress reliever. Encourage your child to participate in physical activities like yoga, running, or swimming, which can help reduce stress and improve focus for their studies.
- Keep communication channels open: Always be supportive and keep communication channels open with your child during the exam season. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and offer them words of encouragement and understanding.
When it comes to exam season, each student has their own way of finding what works for them. As a parent or caregiver, your primary role during exam season should be to provide a safe and supportive environment that helps your child to thrive, as well as to help them get organised and plan their schedules. By following the above tips, you can help ease your child’s stress and anxiety and set them up for academic success.
