Exams can be a daunting time for any student, especially those in boarding school, where the pressure to perform well can be intensified by the distance from home comforts and family support.
At Boarding Bites, we understand the unique challenges faced by boarding school students, which is why we've put together some effective strategies to help your child manage exam stress.
Encourage a Balanced Study Schedule
Creating a balanced study schedule is crucial.
It’s important that your child sets aside specific times for studying and equally important, for relaxation. Encourage breaks between study sessions to prevent burnout.
A good rule of thumb is the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer break after every four sessions. This method helps maintain focus while avoiding fatigue.
Promote Healthy Eating Habits
A balanced diet can significantly impact your child’s ability to concentrate and retain information.
Sending them a fully stocked tuck box filled with nutritious snacks like Urban Fruit’s dried mango or Hippeas chickpea puffs can make snacking easier and healthier. These snacks are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can boost brain function and energy levels.
Avoiding high-sugar snacks can help prevent energy crashes and keep your child feeling good throughout their study sessions.
Ensure Adequate Sleep
Sleep is vital for cognitive function and memory retention. Encourage your child to stick to a regular sleep schedule, especially during exam periods.
While it might be tempting for them to pull all-nighters, research shows that adequate sleep is far more beneficial than cramming.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure they are well-rested and ready to tackle their exams.
Encourage Physical Activity
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and improve mood. Encourage your child to take part in sports or even simple exercises like walking or yoga.
This not only helps in taking a break from studying but also boosts endorphin levels, which can improve focus and reduce anxiety. Many boarding schools offer a range of extracurricular activities, so there’s likely something to suit every student’s interests.
Teach Relaxation Techniques
Introducing your child to relaxation techniques can be incredibly beneficial. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective ways to manage stress.
There are plenty of apps available that offer guided sessions, making it easy for your child to practice these techniques regularly.
Provide Emotional Support
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be there for your child. Regular communication, whether through phone calls, video chats, or visits, can provide a much-needed emotional boost.
Remind them that it’s okay to feel stressed and that it’s a normal part of the exam process. Offer reassurance and encouragement, emphasising that their worth isn’t determined by their exam results
Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrating small victories can help build your child’s confidence. Encourage them to acknowledge their progress and successes, no matter how small.
Did they complete a difficult chapter? That’s worth celebrating! Did they manage to stick to their study schedule for a week? Another win! These small celebrations can help keep their spirits high and motivate them to keep pushing forward.
Exams are undoubtedly stressful, but with these strategies, you can help your child navigate this challenging time more effectively.
Remember, Boarding Bites is here to support you and your child every step of the way. Why send them some feel-good snacks to get them through these challenging times? A little treat can go a long way in lifting their spirits during those intense study sessions.
Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash