How to tackle exam stress | News and events

With exam season starting, students across the area may be feeling the pressure. To help tackle what may be a challenging time, the local NHS is sharing tips to stay calm, focused and confident.  

Most of us can’t avoid feeling stressed before exams completely, but there are simple things you can do to reduce your stress levels. This includes making sure you eat, drink, and sleep well, and take regular breaks when you’re studying. If things are feeling tough, please speak to an adult you trust or check out local and national support services via www.keep-your-head.com .   

Dr Emma Tiffin, Associate Director Mental Health & Learning Disabilities at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, says: "A great way to feel less stressed ahead of exams, is by making sure you take breaks. We know studying is important, but you can look after your mental health by balancing study time with doing something fun. Hang out with friends and family, enjoy your hobbies and switch off from studying from time to time.

“Things like eating well, staying active, and getting a good night’s sleep can all help you feel calmer ahead of your exams.  

“We all have our own ways of coping , so d o what works best for you. But, if things do get too hard, please ask for help.”  

Helpful local and national websites and services to support young people include:  

• Keep Your Head   www.Keep-Your-Head.com   – a local website provides information on mental health and wellbeing support and local services available for young people and adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough .  

• HEAR 85258 -  a local 24/7 mental health free text messaging support service - text the word HEAR to 85258 to be connected to a trained professional who will offer calm in a time or place of crisis. 

• ChatHealth 07480 635 443 (open Monday – Friday 9.30-4pm) -  run by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Healthy Child Programme , a secure and confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11-19 who are struggling with a range of health issues.  

• Centre 33 - Someone to talk to service that provides drop-ins, guided self-help and counselling to those aged 13 – 25 years.  

• Qwell and Kooth -  free online wellbeing services offering chat-based counselling, peer support and self-help.   www.qwell.io  – for ages 18+  www.kooth.com  – for ages 11-18 .  

• Childline   Exam stress and pressure  - provides guidance before, during and after exams, plus the charity’s free phoneline 0800 1111 is available for those who want to talk.  

• NHS 111 and select the mental health option  - if you are in a mental health crisis. This service is available 24/7, 365 days of the year.  

Dr Tiffin added: “Exams can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure of your next steps or feel pressured to get the best grades. Just remember , while exams do matter, you don’t need to get top grades to have a happy and successful future. There will be loads of opportunities for you to explore.”