10 tips to help take the stress out of revising for exams
Exams are an inevitability for school and students, but not everyone copes well with them. Read on for tips to take the stress out of revision.
To find out how exam stress affects pupils, Save My Exams recently ran a survey with over 1,000 UK students. They found that:
- 85% of students experience exam anxiety
- 1 in 4 describe this anxiety as unbearable
- 71% of students haven’t sought any help to deal with this
To help overcome exam nerves, Save My Exams’ Geography Lead, Bridgette Barrett, has put 10 revision tips together.
1) Take regular breaks
Trying to revise for long blocks increases stress and is less productive, 20-30 min blocks with a short 10 min break in between are more effective make revision seem less overwhelming (think this is covered by Pomodoro in the article but I would say it alleviates stress too).
2) Start revising early
I advise my Year 10’s to ensure their notes are organised over the summer and then they can start doing 30 mins to an hour from September onwards. This reduces the pressure as exams approach.
3) Revise in a group
Revising in a group helps you recognise that everyone is having the same experience which reduces stress levels, also teaching each other is a good revision technique.
4) Keep up with your hobbies and interests
Keep your hobbies and interests going during the revision period, these are good ways to take breaks and alleviate stress particularly if they involve physical activity which will help you be more focussed.
5) Break topics into areas of confidence
Break topics down into the areas you are confident with through to those you are less confident with this will help you to see how much you do know and make revising the weaker areas seem more manageable
6) Prepare
Having a clear and realistic revision timetable which includes breaks makes you manage time effectively and maintain focus on key areas.
7) Find techniques that work for you
Try different exam techniques to find what works for you. The more confident you feel about the techniques you are using, the less anxious and stressed you will be. I have taught many students who have become more stressed because the technique they are using doesn’t work for them but they worry about trying a different approach.
8) Find a good study space
Have a study space which is not going to be disturbed so that you only have what you need there and nothing will get lost.
9) Plan for exam day
Plan for the exam day – know where you need to be, at what time and ensure that you have all the equipment you need ready the day before. Rushing and trying to find things at the last minute is guaranteed to increase your stress levels. Arriving on time, at the correct place with everything you need will reduce the stress.
10) Reward yourself
Reward yourself during revision and after the exams. During revision breaks small rewards are motivating and also help to reduce stress whether it be an episode of your favourite show or a snack.
