Exam StressExam StressWhat is it?What is it?The signsThe signsThe causesThe causesWhich type are you?Which type are you?How to minimise stressHow to minimise stress

What is stress?What is stress? Feeling created when you react to Feeling created when you react to

certain events.certain events. Body’s way of; Body’s way of; a) rising to a challengea) rising to a challenge b) preparing to meet a tough b) preparing to meet a tough

situationsituation Can be useful in improving Can be useful in improving

performanceperformance

What is exam stress?What is exam stress? As the exam draws nearer pupils begin As the exam draws nearer pupils begin

to feel anxious and panicky.to feel anxious and panicky.

Ability comes into doubt.Ability comes into doubt.

Fear creeps in.Fear creeps in.

Internal voice gets louder and faster.Internal voice gets louder and faster.

Signs of StressSigns of Stress Difficulty in concentratingDifficulty in concentrating Inability to make minor decisionsInability to make minor decisions Headaches, tummy achesHeadaches, tummy aches Lack of; sleep, appetite, joy, happiness Lack of; sleep, appetite, joy, happiness Irritability, over-reacting, no sense of Irritability, over-reacting, no sense of

humour, out-burstshumour, out-bursts Preoccupied with negative thoughtsPreoccupied with negative thoughts Withdrawal from friends, social situationsWithdrawal from friends, social situations Increase in risk taking behaviourIncrease in risk taking behaviour

Causes of exam stressCauses of exam stress You may be a natural worrierYou may be a natural worrier Your own or Parent’s expectationsYour own or Parent’s expectations Good study habits not developedGood study habits not developed Not prepared enough for the Not prepared enough for the

examsexams Taking on others’ stressTaking on others’ stress Not prioritising properlyNot prioritising properly

Which type are you?Which type are you? The self-indulgent studentThe self-indulgent student

The tense and fearful studentThe tense and fearful student

The perfectionist studentThe perfectionist student

How to minimise How to minimise stressstress Get help with your planning; become organisedGet help with your planning; become organised ExerciseExercise Hang out with friends/listen to musicHang out with friends/listen to music Deep breathing exercisesDeep breathing exercises Set realistic goalsSet realistic goals Have multiple options to achieve your goalsHave multiple options to achieve your goals Become aware and possibly change that Become aware and possibly change that

internal voiceinternal voice Mental rehearsal/visualisationMental rehearsal/visualisation Speak to someone about how you are feelingSpeak to someone about how you are feeling

What to do if stressedWhat to do if stressed If you are worried about yourself, If you are worried about yourself,

your daughter or another student your daughter or another student contact the school and report contact the school and report your concern. Do not wait and your concern. Do not wait and worry in silence. We are here toworry in silence. We are here to

help.help.