THE HSC has begun, and youth mental health initiative Headspace have offered up tips and hints for students that are currently undertaking their final Year 12 examinations.
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Helen Isenhour, Headspace manager at Gosford and Lake Haven, has identified the challenge of staying in a good frame of mind as being one of the key struggles of the last round of high school exams, and that pressure can build up on young students.
“The HSC exams can be an extremely stressful period in a young person’s life, and many young people may require support to develop additional coping strategies,” Ms Isenhour said. “It can also be a difficult transition phase for young people as they are getting ready to leave school and take on the many challenges that will face them in the next stage of their life.”
Ms Isenhour recommended a return to the basics when it comes to dealing with exam stress, including “simple stress-buster techniques”.
“Don’t stop doing the things you love,” she said. “Try to remove negative distractions that might cause extra worry and use intentional, healthy distractions to keep you refreshed and relaxed.”
As well as maintaining healthy and physical activities, Ms Isenhour also suggested plenty of rest, healthy eating and drinking lots of water in the examination periods would be beneficial for students.
“Try to eliminate any unnecessary demands or added pressure to perform and keep their expectations and outlook in perspective – remind them there is life after the HSC and lots of different pathways,” Ms Isenhour said.