Okay, let’s face the facts: exams are a necessary part of education, and although they may be difficult, teenagers need to learn how to handle the obstacles that come with the pressure and stress of exams.

Exams not only have effects on mental health of teenagers, but by extension, physical health can deteriorate in extreme circumstances. This is why, if you are a teenager, sitting GCSEs, A-levels or even university finals, it is crucial to take care of yourself and prioritise YOU during exam season.

You may be stuck in the mindset that exams come first so you should spend every waking hour studying and you can look after yourself afterwards. That is the complete opposite of what should be happening. During times of high stress it is even more important that you look after yourself, including eating well, exercising, socialising, getting fresh air and doing things that you love. Think about it this way: you want to be the best version of yourself while sitting those all-important exams, so do everything in your power to feel your best, whether that is getting enough sleep or performing simple acts of self care to do your best on the big day.

This correlation between sleep and academic sucess has been proven through many studies, with Michael Schullin, University Professor stating that “Better sleep helped rather than harmed final exam performance, which is contrary to most college students’ perceptions that they have to sacrifice either studying or sleeping.”

Therefore, a key factor to harnessing exam stress is to put yourself first, fix your sleep schedule, and tackle a school-life balance that works for you.