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'm glad to be able to tell you that is not true!

I remember what it was like slogging away at my desk, angsting over what was to come. I wish I'd had someone to tell me how to do my best. So I thought at the very least I could do that for you.

The first thing to keep in mind is: do not catastrophise. 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 anxious. It can even end up being a self-fulfilling prophecy.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 

So just because someone else is using mind maps or flash cards does not mean you will necessarily benefit from the same techniques. You need to figure out what works best for you.

Use the stress, but do not let yourself be consumed 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.

The trick is to stay on the right side of the Yerkes-Dodson law. This suggests that up to a certain point, stress helps you to focus and remember key details. However, beyond this optimum level, the stress will make it harder to concentrate and punch holes in your memory.³

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.

The best way to learn is often to teach others, and it will reassure you that you do know what you are talking about. See if you can find someone - a parent, a sibling - who will let you sit them down and tell them all about your topic.

And always make sure you take care of yourself. You do not need to wear a hair shirtAn uncomfortable shirt once worn by religious people to punish themselves.. Punishing yourself will not make you do any better and it will probably make you do worse. 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. The exam is not your enemy.

And above all, try to enjoy yourself. This is one of the big challenges of your early life, and like any challenge you can shrink from it, or you can grab it with both hands.

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 will go on to achieve.

Good luck, from your older self!