Create healthy habits

MENTAL health experts have encouraged local students to establish healthy habits in the lead-up to exams.

Combined with existing stressors and the imminent transition from school, the exam period can be an anxietyridden time for VCE students.

Barwon Child, Youth and Family director of community health services Kat Stroud said there were a range of resources available to support young people experiencing VCE and exam-related stress.

Students could turn to the headspace website or headspace Geelong, while school counsellors were also wellequipped to help, Ms Stroud said.

“There are many contributing factors to the stress levels of VCE students, not only related to school work and expectations about their future success, but also the everyday stresses faced by young people,” she said.

“In terms of study, there are the expectations students place on themselves, as well as perceived expectations from others such as parents.

“Many students feel they should have a clear outline of their career path, and of course there is the pressure of achieving a certain ATAR score.

“Juggling academic pressures with social and physical pressures can further add to stress levels.”

Ms Stroud urged students to focus on their health and wellbeing and, most importantly, ask for help if they needed to.

“If stress is really getting to you, then it might be useful to connect with a counsellor at school or in the community,” she said. “Following good study habits can also help to reduce stress around exam times.”

Ms Stroud said some examples of this were: WORK out what times of day you have the most energy and plan to study then; TRY not to study for more than 40-60 minutes without a short break. Even a fiveminute break will help. A glass of water helps too; WHEN you do have a break do something physical or fun, such as go for a short run or play with a pet; and, TRY to keep your focus on school and exams rather than other things going on in your life; you don’t need this extra worry around relationships and friendships right now.

Chris Mackey and Associates clinical psychologist Nahanni Sutton said students could be very self-critical.

“Lots of harsh and critical self talk can lead to catastrophic thinking about doing poorly, which can lead to procrastination,” Ms Sutton said.

“It can lead to a cycle where they feel really overwhelmed.

“There’s a lot of pressure and stress.”

Ms Sutton urged students to minimise negative self-talk and treat themselves with compassion.

“Kindness to yourself is really important,” she said.

Ms Sutton urged parents to keep an eye on their kids’ behaviours and look out for signs they may be struggling.

headspace offers a range of useful tips for helping with study preparation and stress at https:// headspace. org. au/ young-people/how-to-reducestress-and-prepare-for-exams Friday, October 4. More information and booking details can be found at teachingbubble.com/event/ geelong-2019.