As academic pressure builds, it’s common for stress, anxiety and self-doubt to surface, especially for learners and students trying to balance academic expectations with their own wellbeing. While exams are important milestones, they can quickly become overwhelming without the right preparation and support. Recognising these pressures early allows learners to take proactive steps to manage their time, energy and emotions more effectively.
For parents, this period can be equally demanding, as they try to support their children while they also manage concerns about performance and future study/career opportunities. A calm, structured and supportive home environment can make a meaningful difference in how students cope.
By combining practical study strategies with emotional support, both learners, students and parents can navigate the exam season with greater confidence and resilience. Below are some useful tips to help manage stress and stay on track during this time.
Tips for learners/students to manage exam stress:
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Be prepared – start early and avoid cramming everything the night before.
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Use a study method that works best for you.
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Work through past exam papers or example questions.
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Take regular breaks – use this time to do something active.
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Rest often – get enough sleep, especially before exams.
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Know your exam timetable, venues, procedures and what you’re allowed to bring to the venue.
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Arrive at the venue well before the exam starting time.
It can be equally distressing for parents to see their children experience exam-related stress. Many parents and guardians may underestimate the levels of anxiety learners and students face today, but their support plays a critical role during this time.
Ways that parents/guardians can show support during exams:
1. Prioritise mental well-being
Help to identify triggers that cause stress, fear or anxiety. Work with learners to find healthy ways to cope with these feelings so that they can regain focus and confidence. Creating a calm, supportive and productive home environment can make a significant difference.
2. Proactively manage stress
Be aware of early warning signs such as lack of sleep, loss of appetite, irritability or difficulty concentrating. Encourage regular breaks and opportunities for relaxation, as well as opportunities for them to connect with friends. These help to reinforce the importance of a healthy mindset.
3. Promote a healthy lifestyle
Although studying requires commitment, this should not come at the expense of one’s health. Ensure that your child gets enough sleep and stays physically active, for example, even light exercise like a walk can help. Provide balanced meals, keep healthy snacks available and try to limit excessive screen time.
4. Set realistic expectations
Encourage your child to set achievable goals. Have open discussions about what is realistic and help them create a manageable study plan. This helps reduce pressure and ensures they feel supported rather than overwhelmed.
5. Lead by example
Remain calm and supportive, as your behaviour can influence how your child responds to stress. Taking care of your own wellbeing will better equip you to offer patience, understanding and guidance when it’s needed most.
During exam season, it’s important to face challenges together. When parents provide consistent support and children adopt healthy study habits, the exam period becomes far more manageable, and even an opportunity to build resilience and confidence for the future.