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Tool up for exam success

If your teen's stress levels are entering the red zone, Esther Limberg-Birks of Gym For The Mind has some top tips to prevent a meltdown.

kids studying on a wall in school uniform

Exam klaxon! Just 4 weeks until your kids sit their GCSE and A-Levels. Cue blind panic, and that’s just the parents. It is a really tough time for students. As E-Day creeps closer it’s normal for them to feel stressed, anxious and overwhelmed. But some of this stress can be avoided.

Esther Limberg-Birks of Gym For The Mind is a fusion therapeutic coach (put simply, a combination of counselling and coaching). She’s see clients at Total Health West Berkshire’s cool Grade II listed barn, and has helped prepare many teens and young adults for their GCSEs, A-Levels or uni finals. In a nutshell, Esther helps students take control and give them the tools they need to manage anxiety, but also provide some really clever revision techniques. Think Sherlock Holmes Mind Palace. Seriously cool.

Anything that gets you all through this time without having a meltdown is awesome in my book. Here are Esther’s top tips to help kids keep the stress levels low(er) and be exam ready. Over to you Esther…

Look after yourself

fruit smoothie in glasses wooden table strawberries and blueberries

Being stressed during your exams is completely normal and it is vital to take care of your physical wellbeing by eating healthy, sleeping, exercising and having fun these activities will help you manage the pressure.

Hit the H2O

Ensure you are drinking plenty of water as being properly hydrated boosts your mental performance by 10%! How easy is that?

Schedule R&R

Girl in sports gear shorts vest water bottle leaning on a concrete wall

To avoid mental overload do not forget to build some downtime into your study schedule as it is important to rest your brain at regular intervals. Build in short chunks of study, with the promise of a reward. So revise for 2 hrs and then watch an episode of your favourite show, grab a cuppa or go for a run.

Out of bounds

Your bedroom should be where you go to relax and escape your worries so create a warm safe place. Avoid studying in your room.

Take it outside

girl field of buttercups turned up denim jeans Going outside everyday is essential to boost your wellbeing as little as 15-30 minutes each day will help you recharge, even on an overcast day go for a walk, breathe and relax and you will return ready to study.

Supporting role

As for parents, your role is simple: focus on supporting your teen by providing healthy meals, snacks and supplements such as a daily high quality Omega 3 capsule which will support the brain. Use positive encouragement, as this will help improve confidence and keep communication in all areas as supportive rather than critical.