Exams can come with a lot of pressure and leave you feeling stressed. Exam stress is more then feeling nervous on the day of the exam, it can affect you before, during and whilst you are waiting for results.

Other things might cause you to feel stressed such as:

• Feeling not prepared or you have left revising too late
• Worrying about how you will do and your results
• Pressure from those around you such as parents or teachers
• Pressure from yourself
• Comparing yourself to others
• Worrying about your exams affecting your future
• Additional life challenges and changes
• Difficulties at home or in relationships
• Having caring responsibilities
• Coping with physical or mental health problems

Exam stress might affect how you feel, think or behave. When feelings of stress become too much to manage, it can affect your mental health. It can feel like a lot to cope with but here are things you can try to help.

Remember what works for you might be different to what works for someone else. You might have to try a few different things to see what works best.

During your exam period you might be on study leave or you might still have to go to school. The exam period can feel long and difficult especially if you feel under pressure.

Make sure you look after yourself by:

• Still make time for things you enjoy
• Find ways to release stress
• Celebrate progress
• Talk to others about how you feel
• Try to find a balance between exams and normal life
• Take regular breaks and be realistic about what you can do each day
• Remember exams wont last forever
• Take care of your physical health- get enough sleep, eat well, drink lots of water and exercise regularly
• Try not to compare yourself to others
• In between exams try not to compare answers or look them up online.
• Plan what you’ll do next and take time to relax before revising for your next exam

Remember you can only try your best!