As we head into the final stages of the academic year, some high school learners may find themselves feeling motivated to wrap up the year, while others may feel extreme stress as exams approach.
Can stress be both good and bad?
Most of us think that stress is bad for us, but moderate amounts of stress have powerful benefits. In fact, moderate, short-lived stress can improve alertness, performance, and boost memory. Every individual will respond differently to stress. The same stressor may be manageable for one person but overwhelming to another — the key distinguisher here is our perception of stress.
When can stress be managed?
Research suggests that when we feel resilient and confident that we can manage our stress, we are less likely to be overwhelmed by it and more likely to have a healthy response to stress than people who think stress is bad. Not only are some levels of stress good for us and can help us achieve better, but stress is a normal physical response. Our stress response is designed to help us react when something potentially threatening happens, to help us deal with it and learn from it.
When we are able to stop viewing stress as the enemy and start to understand that our brains and bodies have a built-in system that wants to help us manage our stressors and respond effectively to them, we may be able to use stress to our advantage. It is our responsibility to identify our stressors and to learn to respond to them effectively. Once we can recognise our own stressors and stress response we can control our stress and our stress does not control us. Short-term stress can improve both our behaviours and cognition. It can help us meet our daily challenges and motivate us to reach our goals, ultimately making us more productive and healthier people.
How parents can help child with stress during exam times
Eliminating stressors in your child’s life during exam season is a key priority, it’s important to create a home and learning environment that offers structure, calmness and encouragement. Having a routine and eliminating factors that make your child anxious can bring them a sense of calmness and control.
Tips to help children with exam stress
Encourage them to follow these tips to help ease some of the anxiety they may be feeling during this time:
How UCT Online High School helps learners with stress
When it comes to structured and encouraging learning environments, we prioritise this by putting our learners first. Our school’s multi-layered support system gives our learners all the encouragement, tools and support they need to master their destinies. Going through exam anxiety is normal for high school learners, but it doesn’t have to throw them off their game.
Our incredible Support Coaches are there for your child, to motivate and encourage learning habits that make the difference. Put your child in the centre of their very own superhero movie and let them soar at UCT Online High School.
Applications for the 2023 academic year are open, you can apply here.
