Healthy Minds @Highvale

Exams and Wellbeing: Looking After Yourself While You Study

With exams approaching, it's normal for students to feel some pressure. A little stress can help us focus, but when it starts to feel overwhelming, it's time to reach out for support. While it may be tempting to keep your head buried in your books, wellbeing is just as important. Looking after yourself helps you concentrate, remember what you've learned, manage nerves and perform at your best on the day. There is plenty of help available.

Quick tips for managing study stress

• Break study into manageable chunks and take regular breaks. A timer can help you keep track of both. 

• Keep up the basics: sleep, healthy food, movement and time with friends.

• Try a short, guided meditation or breathing activity when your head feels full. The Smiling Mind app has videos and activities made for Years 11-12.

• Remember that exams are one part of your pathway, not the whole picture.

• If worries are building up, talk to someone. You can always come to your Year Level Coordinator or the Wellbeing team.

Looking for some extra practical tips and strategies? 

These websites have free and easy to read advice on handling exam pressure:

• headspace: Preparing for Exams – tips for managing stress, staying motivated and maintaining wellbeing.

• ReachOut: Study Stress Support – articles and strategies designed for young people.

• Victoria University: Simple Techniques to Combat Exam Stress – proven ways to manage exam anxiety and keep balance.

Planning ahead

Support is also available for students thinking about life after school:

• headspace Work & Study Support – free one on one support around education, employment, training and career planning: 

  • Online support (ages 15-25) by video call, webchat or phone

  • Online career mentoring (ages 18-25)

  • In-person support (ages 12-25) at participating headspace centres

Tips for parents/carers

Your support makes a big difference at this time of year.

• Listen first. Ask how your child is feeling and let them talk without rushing to fix things.

• Keep things in perspective. Remind them that their effort matters and that there are many pathways after school.

• Help with routine. Encourage regular meals, sleep, breaks and some time away from study.

• Notice changes. If your child seems very anxious, withdrawn or unable to cope, check in and reach out for support.

Support and resources

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

• Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

• headspace – centres and online support for young people aged 12-25

• 13 Yarn – 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

• Highvale Wellbeing Team – available to support students and families

William Mckinley