Wellbeing Weekly: Managing Exam Stress
Exam stress is common and can affect how you feel, think, and perform. Understanding it and knowing how to prepare can help you manage.
What does exam stress look like?
You might notice:
- Feeling irritable or low
- Having an upset stomach, tense muscles or headaches
- Losing touch with your friends
- Feeling confused, overwhelming or indecisive
- Trouble sleeping or getting out of bed
- Nail biting, teeth grinding or fidgeting
Why do people experience exam stress?
Common reasons include:
- Feeling pressure from family or yourself
- Performance anxiety
- Needing to get a certain result or comparing yourself to others
- Negative self-talk
- Feeling unprepared and low on time to study
- Fear of failing
- Life
Preparing to study
Good preparation reduces stress and builds confidence:
- Study in a quiet, uncluttered space
- Find out what to expect in the exam and ask questions if unsure
- Make a clear study plan and break work into small tasks
- Take regular short breaks to stay focused
- Use mind maps or summarise to organise key ideas
- Ask for help or practice explaining ideas to others
Final reminder:
Exam stress is normal and can be managed. Preparation, organisation, and staying calm can make a big difference.
Need support?
Email: wellbeing@gleneagles.vic.edu.au
or speak to our Doctors in Secondary Schools Clinic every Friday 9am-1pm: https://www.gleneagles.vic.edu.au/articles/17
Resource: Exam Stress | How to Handle Exam Stress | Kids Helpline