Award Winning Counselling and Psychotherapy For Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Anger Management

Mind Healing Counselling

Book Now

Blog Layout

How to Deal with Exam Stress

3 May 2022

Stress levels can be higher than normal around the time of an exam. While a little stress might help you stay motivated and focused, too much can be detrimental to your efforts.

Exam anxiety can be really overpowering. It has the potential to be frustrating and draining. If everything seems to be getting the best of you, there are certain things you can do to keep your cool.

It may be difficult to revise a big volume of content in a short period of time. A perceived lack of knowledge of course material may cause stress.



Maintain a routine and take breaks regularly.


It is critical for success to take frequent study breaks as well as to schedule time for relaxation and exercise.

Mindfulness practice allows you to pay attention to what is happening in the present moment. Going for a walk, running, or going to the gym is not a waste of time. It's a great way to get your thoughts out of your head and can help you focus.

Another fantastic idea is to take a break from studying by watching your favourite television show or going to the movies.



Caffeine should be consumed in moderation.


Caffeine and energy drinks might give you a short rush of energy. They are, however, harmful to your health in the long run.

They can make you feel ill and disrupt your sleep and ability to focus, among other things. You'll be able to concentrate better if you take regular breaks. It is also critical to get enough sleep and to engage in physical activity.



Maintain command of expectations.


Exams can put significant external demands on students. These can be difficult to deal with, especially if they involve family members or people you admire. It would help if you remembered that this is your life and your exam and that you have complete control over both.



Here are some tips to help you manage your expectations.


  • Expectations should be based on your previous performance as well as the fact that you are giving it your all.
  • Place the test in its correct context. Can you explain how important it is in the great scheme of things?
  • Inform others about what you believe is a plausible possibility. Discuss your concerns with them, learn what they hope for you, and express your views and feelings to them.
  • Use your own and others' expectations to help you with your study.
  • Discuss your feelings with others and see if they can offer any advice or aid.
  • Inviting and receiving assistance from others, particularly family members, can be quite beneficial.
  • If things don't go exactly as you had hoped or planned, there are always other options. It makes no difference whether you are successful or unsuccessful; it does not indicate if you are a good or bad person.


These are not the kinds of things that examinations can assess. All they care about is how well you can present the information requested by the examiner on one day of your life. They are no more nor less than that.



Take good care of yourself.


It is easy to become overwhelmed by tests and lose sight of the value of self-care. If at all feasible, try to get a good night's sleep every night. It is recommended that you consume a lot of fruits and vegetables throughout this time period in order to stay healthy.



Inquire about and accept help.


If you are experiencing excessive feelings of stress, speaking with a teacher or a therapist may be therapeutic. It's also critical to seek and accept assistance from family members, if at all possible. This help could be of a practical nature, such as picking you up from the library. It could also take the form of emotional support in the form of advice or assistance.



If you need to contact someone impartial, dial:


Dial 1800 66 66 to reach Childline.

Dial 116 123 to reach the Samaritans.




Prospects for the future


Getting the best possible marks in your first option is wonderful if you're taking the leaving certificate. However, it is not the end of the world if you do not. There are other options for enrolling in your course.

It may imply postponing and acquiring practical experience, or it may imply continuing your study. If you fail many topics, you may choose to retake them or transfer to a different school after a year or two. If you accept another offer, you might discover that you like it or that it is better suited to your needs.



The exam hall is not the place to be stressed.


Regardless of the obstacles, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Exams begin and end, and the stress that comes with them should end at the end of the exam.

Nothing else can be done once the manuscript has been submitted. Following that, you should try to relax a little.

Mother and daughter lying on the grass, laughing
by Liam Farrell, Mind Healing Counselling 22 October 2024
Navigating the Journey to Authentic Joy
by Liam Farrell 28 September 2024
Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. It's during sleep that our brains process emotions, consolidate memories, and prepare for the challenges of the next day. Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall psychological well-being.
by Liam Farrell, Mind Healing Counselling 17 April 2024
Even among those who work in mental health, there are several misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding cognitive behavioural therapy. The idea that CBT is nothing more than optimistic thinking is one of the most widespread and reasonable misunderstandings.
Share by: