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HOW TO: Manage stress

Posted on 21 May 2021

Feeling stressed during exams and assessments is entirely normal but there are ways we can control some unhelpful aspects of our stress response.

At times when we are placed under pressure, such as exams and assessments, our bodies may respond to this by placing us in a ‘stress response’ mode.

This is an entirely normal response, but can mean that - unhelpfully - we experience impacts on (among other things) our ability to concentrate and focus, our sleep patterns, and on our levels of anxiety and worry, just when we least need them!

Being able to recognise and manage our bodies’ responses can reduce these impacts, and allow us to function in a way that may be more helpful to us.

The Mental Health Foundation has tips on how to manage and reduce stress, which includes a wider perspective on stress and helpful behaviours to incorporate into your day-to-day activities.

See our information on managing stress in the long term and the sources of support available to you:

Managing stress