Redhill School heads shares tips for navigating final exam stress

As the matriculating Class of 2022 heads into final examination season, the importance of acknowledging that stress and anxiety are normal is important.

This is according to Redhill School executive head Joseph Gerassi, who recently shared advice for learners and parents navigating this challenging time.

“I know this may be of little comfort when faced with an angry teenager who suddenly finds it to be of the utmost importance that they tidy their room, and who reacts angrily at any suggestion that they should go and study, but please know that this season shall pass.

He added that it is equally important to understand the impact that stress and anxiety have on a child’s brain and their results.

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Gerassi shares the following tips for parents to help their children get through the final stretch of exams and manage their anxiety:

• Go right back to basics, create as much calm and stability at home with regular healthy meals and snacks, outdoor activity where possible (to burn off any excess adrenaline) and regular sleep habits.
• Children should ideally go to sleep no later than 23:00, as a sleep-deprived child cannot perform at their best in an exam. Should your child not have an exam the next day, it is wise to let them sleep until around 09:00 before beginning that day’s study schedule.
• Cellphones should ideally charge in another room overnight to prevent your child from being overstimulated and internalising the anxiety of others on WhatsApp groups deep into the night.
• Encourage your child to learn from their mistakes in previous exams and assessments, at Redhill, we often speak about failing forward and using mistakes to grow and learn.
• Understand that procrastination does not equal laziness. The latest studies show that procrastination is actually a form of stress release. Let your child do something that allows them to destress with a gentle reminder that they move back to their studies in an hour or two’s time.
• Remind your child why they should read through the entire exam paper before beginning. That way, they can play to their strengths and plan their strategy.
• If they are open to hearing about it you can explain how not all stress is bad. There’s negative stress (referred to as distress), and positive stress (known as eustress) that actually helps drive you forward and achieve your goals. Feeling completely calm before an exam is highly unlikely so it is wise for learners to mentally channel that extra energy and stress for good.
• As your child’s safe space, you are the likely recipient of their anger and outbursts. Where you reasonably can, try not to take it personally and aim to weather the storm for the next few weeks.

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