How To Reduce The Stress of Exams

We all remember the pressure of exams which hits at the age when everyone feels they’d be better off out partying with friends. The problem is, what once seemed like a distant memory comes back as soon as your own kids find themselves in the same situation.

Exam season is upon us and it isn’t much fun for the whole family. But other than pulling your hair out when you realise the only book they are interested in is Facebook, what can you do to help?

• Keep calm and be supportive.

• Simple words are probably the best advice but, much easier said than done.



One important thing parents can do is take action to stop their siblings acting up because they are jealous of the attention their brother or sister is getting. Try to explain it is just for a short while and do fun things with them to make sure they don’t feel forgotten.



Even with the best intentions in the world you can’t sit your children’s exams for them so helping everyone through with the least amount of stress is important. Avoid setting up expectations by telling your son or daughter that you know they will do well – it would be better to tell them that you want them to do their best. Small treats along the way is a good way to make your child feel important and cared for. It doesn’t have to be hugely expensive and could be as simple as cooking their favourite dinner.



For teenagers in the midst of exam hell, Relate hammers home the message that it is vital to keep things in perspective. While GCSEs and A-Levels may seem like the only way to success when it is exam season, there are plenty of other keys to happiness out there. Relate also suggests teenagers avoid people who wind them up and instead hang out with people who make them feel calm. They can also be the best ones to turn to when you don’t understand something.



There is nothing worse than spending ages trying to get your head around something for too long because the chances are you’ll just blow it out of all proportion and stress even more. So ask a teacher or a friend – if they’re studying for the same exams there’s a good chance they’ll know and you might even be able to help them.



Denise Nosrati, of Inner Vision hypnotherapy on Ecclesall Road, has helped people of all ages overcome their fear of exams. She said: "Firstly I would encourage parents to help their children to find a good space in which to study. It can be the kitchen table if necessary as long as for the duration of their studying you respect their need for peace and quiet. Also try to agree a time table for studying and make everyone in the household aware that they need to be extremely considerate during these times. Be supportive and encouraging and even though you may be feeling anxious and worried about how your child will cope, keep your own anxiety under control."



As a hypnotherapist and counsellor, Denise is well aware that many people approach exams with trepidation rather than viewing them as the chance to gain reward for all the years of effort and hard work. She says the most obvious factor which inhibits the capacity to learn is fear, so it is important to tackle the problem before exam day arrives.



Denise added: "Poor study habits can result in total frustration and desperation but there are valuable strategies which can be used to aid memory retention and help an individual to manage their time far more effectively. There really is no need for sleepless nights and anxiousness over exams. Strategies to help learning can make a powerful difference to the whole process. It’s all about enabling people to take control and to approach the learning experience and exams with self-confidence and motivation."



For more help and advise please visit:

http://innervisionhypno.co.uk/denise-nosrati/article-how-to-reduce-the-stress-levels-of-exams/