Relax

Trying to relax during the exam period can often be easier said than done. It can be difficult to get your mind off your exams and take time to switch off… BUT it is essential that you take time to relax both your mind and your body.

Take regular breaks

Taking regular breaks will help you to manage your time, but it will also mean that your mind and body do not get too tired. Some people like to work ten minutes on – ten minutes off. Others just take ten minutes off every hour. Find a study pattern that suits you.

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Relax video transcript(MS Word)

Have a day off

If you are studying every day, try and plan a day off into your revision timetable. A day where you don’t even think about revision can refresh your mind and body.

Hanging out with your friends, playing sports, watching films, reading magazines – whatever it is that will help you switch off from your revison, take a day off to do it!

Exercise

Its easy to end up stuck in a stuffy room revising all day. But it can make you sluggish and tired. If its a nice day – go out for some fresh air. If it’s raining, get up from your desk and go for a walk round the house. A change of scenery is just as good!

Exercise can also improve your concentration – it increases your heart rate and you breath in more oxygen. Plus there’s nothing better than exercise or sport to reduce your stress levels and clear your mind.

Any type of activity will help you: swimming, running, aerobics, football, golf, climbing, tennis… the list is endless! Get your heart rate up and watch your stress levels go down! For more information about getting active or to find activities in your area, visit Active Norfolk (external link).

Breathing

Short shallow breaths can be a sign of stress. If you’re feeling this way, try this simple deep breathing technique:

• breath in through your nose for five seconds
• breath out through your mouth for five seconds

Keep to a regular sleep pattern

Keeping to a regular sleeping pattern is an important part of exam preparation. Revising late into the night might seem like a good idea, but it can leave you exhausted the next day. Plus, you might not remember as much as you would have if you’d not been so tired.

• Have a half an hour break between finishing revising and going to sleep, give yourself time to relax.
• Don’t eat anything too late at night as this may disturb your sleep.
• Keep a notepad and pen next to your bed - if you wake up and are worried or anxious about anything, write it down. Or if you wake up wondering about something, perhaps a formula for maths, or date in history, write it down and look it up in the morning.
• Relax – have a bath, hang out with your family, anything that will help you stay calm
• Set your alarm clock so you have plenty of time in the morning to have breakfast and get to school.