WELLBEING NEWS

Study Support and Stress Management

As the end of year and exam period arrives it is important to recognise the impacts this can have on young people. It is also a good time for those around them to consider how they can support them through this period. 

Whilst stress is a normal part of life, when we experience too much stress it can feel overwhelming. If a young person is finding they can’t concentrate, they are sleeping too much or too little, or are feeling overwhelmed, it can be a sign that the level of stress they are experiencing is becoming problematic. It’s at this point that young people can benefit from support from their parents, teachers or a health professional.

Below are some strategies to support young people manage their stress. 

Stay active

Although it may seem counter intuitive to take time away from study to improve it, taking time out can actually increase productivity.  Staying active is good for our mental health and for our brains. If a young person is feeling overwhelmed, the last thing they may feel like doing is staying active but studies have suggested that any activity, from walking around the block to yoga or cycling, could contribute to improving the symptoms of depression and anxiety and help young people feel less stressed. If you’re staying active together, try to make it fun and something they enjoy.

Importance of nutrient rich foods

We know that what we eat affects our moods. A well-balanced diet will make sure young people have all the essential nutrients needed for their brains to function well and to help keep them both physically and mentally healthy.

Make sleep a priority

A good night's sleep is vital for mental and emotional wellbeing. Sleep disruptions can increase unhelpful thinking and heighten our stress levels. Try to encourage your young person to maintain a regular sleep- wake schedule. Encourage them to use the bedroom for its core purposes and avoid using distracting and stimulating devices such as a television or other electronic devices when they are in bed. 

Develop a study plan

The exam period can be a particularly stressful time, so find out if you can support them to set time aside to study, which in turn can help reduce their stress. To reduce exam pressure, encourage them to have a good balance between their social life and study time, plan rewards for after exams, study actively and do past exam papers, and develop and try to stick to a study routine at home. 

Set up a study space

Setting up a space for students which is distraction free and comfortable can support in reducing stress during study sessions. Make the space somewhere that the young person can sit and have enough room for their study tools. Place distractions such as phones away from the space (these can be used as a self-reward after a period of study time). Ensure before sitting down, that the space has the things you need, drink, snacks and any materials you need to use (calculator, pens, highlighter etc). Have a timer to let you know when you have studied for the time you have set aside. 

If you are concerned seek support

If you are concerned your young person is impacted by stress and needs additional support, start by having a conversation. Encourage them to reach out to a trusted teacher/Year Level Co-ordinator to discuss their concerns. Parents can also feel free to speak with a year level coordinator for further support. If required, a referral to the Wellbeing Team can be made by either Ms. Jen Chatfield, Junior Sub-School Leader  or Ms. Narelle Calder, Senior Sub-School Leader for additional support. 

Credit: Headspace Website.