Wellbeing Champions top tips for coping with stress and exam pressure

We all know exams and assessments can be challenging and can lead to additional stress. The University student Wellbeing Champions have put together some top tips to help you cope during the assessment period. 

Wellbeing Champions Top Tips for coping with stress and exam pressure

• Make a list of the things you have to do, in order of priority, then split them up into manageable chunks for each hour, each day, each week etc. Set realistic goals- so that you are not trying to have everything done all at once, this will seem less overwhelming. Make sure you use achievable milestones!
• Take a screen break- we spend so much time on screens, it’s good to have a break! Maybe go out for a walk and get some fresh air or have a relaxing bath!
• Take a social media break! Log out of the app you spend the most screen time on, for a day.
• Plan at least 1 fun thing for each week- this ensures you always have something to look forward to, and you feel like the hard work is worth it when you have a reward coming.
• Make time to socialise with those you love and care about such as friends or relatives- this gives you downtime, as well as maintaining strength of connections so you have good social support.
• Treat yourself- whether that be a self-care evening or an item of clothing you've wanted for ages.
• Make your favourite food! Prioritise eating well- your body deserves good food.
• Hydration is also key!
• Confide in lecturers and staff for help if you don't understand something or on issues that are complex or difficult to deal with.
• Start/end your day listening to your favourite happy song. It really works!
• Utilise times of your day such as showering, getting ready to sleep and commuting as a time to be mindful, and appreciate aspects of your life or the people in your life. This mitigates bad thoughts and generally helps you feel better and reduces intense stress responses. 
• Breathing exercises - there are many videos online and it is so beneficial.
• Spending time outdoors - whether it’s going for a walk, listening to the birds, being in your garden, or taking your dog on a walk, green spaces promote good mental health. Being in a new or outdoor environment can help alleviate bad thoughts.
• Using essential oils - in my bath. I use one from the Bodyshop wellness range  (student discount!)
• Yoga! A class feels like part of a community and encourages you to take a break. Exercise is a great destress.
• Not forcing yourself to work if you don’t feel up to it. As a one-off this is okay but have to be careful not to procrastinate too much.
• Make sure to get enough sleep all the time, not just before exams or submissions. 
• Plan ahead: start the work weeks in advance, even if it's doing some research and saving relevant papers. It all helps!
• Attend core lectures and seminars – you will have been taught what is in the assignment or exam. Attendance is important!

Find out more about the work of the Wellbeing Champions and the activities they run to support student wellbeing at wlv.ac.uk/wellbeingchamps.

Access mental health and wellbeing support and resources from the University's Mental Health and Wellbeing team at wlv.ac.uk/MHW.