<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper"><strong>Under pressure</strong></h2>

Dear younger self,

As I write, I know your exams are coming up. They probably feel like the biggest thing you will ever do - I am glad to be able to tell you that is not true!

I thought at the very least I could do that for you.

The first thing to keep in mind is: do not catastrophiseImagine the worst possible outcome. . Don't spend all your time thinking about how badly things could go. You might think it prepares you for the worst, but research shows it actually just makes you more anxiousWorried. .¹

Don't think about what other people are doing: you want to focus on what works for you. Everyone has a different way of learning. You might be a visual learner, an auditoryTo do with hearing. learner, a reading and writing learner, or a kinestheticTo do with movement. learner.² 

Use the stress, but do not let yourself be consumedTo have so much of a feeling that it affects everything you do. by it. Stress can raise your adrenalineA hormone made by the body in response to a stressful or threatening situation. and give you extra energy. But stress that is caused by worrying about what is to come will drain you and make it harder to do anything, which in turn will make you more stressed.

Go at your own pace: you do not want to burn out before the exams start. Make sure you sleep well and take breaks whenever you need them.

Exams are not just testing your knowledge, they are testing your skills. So while learning the facts is important, make sure you practise, practise, practise in real-life conditions.

And always make sure you take care of yourself. Organise a nice treat for after your last exam so you have something to look forward to.

The exams feel scary now. But they are always easier than you think they're going to be.

When you get into the exam, keep in mind that often the simplest answer is the right one. Make sure you do not overthink it or try to show off all your knowledge.

Remember they are not trying to catch you out. The examiner wants you to do well.

And above all, try to enjoy yourself.

Can stress be helpful?

Yes: A bit of stress is good for you. It will keep you focused on your work and help you to retrieve things from your long-term memory. Think of it like a long run that gets your limbs moving, but for your brain.

No: If you encourage stress you will soon find yourself getting overwhelmed. Do whatever you can to keep your stress levels manageable.

Or... Stress is never much fun. But learning how to manage it is one of the most important skills for adult life, and developing it now will do you a lot of good.. Everyone is just waiting to see what you'll go on to achieve.

Good luck, from your older self!

Catastrophise - Imagine the worst possible outcome.

Anxious - Worried.

Auditory - To do with hearing.

Kinesthetic - To do with movement.

Consumed - To have so much of a feeling that it affects everything you do.

Adrenaline - A hormone made by the body in response to a stressful or threatening situation.