QUICKLINKS
QUICKLINKS
QUICKLINKS
Top Picks for Wellbeing: available in the library!
1. The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle
2. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
3. The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté
4. Feeling Good: The Mood Therapy by David D. Burns.
5. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
6. The Happiness Trap: Stop struggling, Start Living by Doctor Russ Harris
7. Live More Happy: Scientifically Proven Ways to lift Your Mood and Your Life by Darren Morton
8. The Teenage Guide to Digital Wellbeing: Find the Balance to Live Your Best Life by Tanya Goodin
9. Little Pieces of Hope : Happy-making Things in a Difficult World by Todd Doughty
10. We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life's 20 Questions by Glennon Doyle
Managing Exam Stress: Top Tips from our College Counsellors
Exam time can be a very stressful period for the whole family.
If you're a parent or carer, encouraging your student to engage with the following tips can be a great way to support them, and a a great reminder for us adults, too! If you're a student with exams or assesments coming up, we hope the below will be helpful in managing your stress levels.
1. Keep a regular bedtime routine to help with falling asleep quickly.
2. Limit screen time before bed. Evidence suggests blue light can intefere with sleep, not to mention how easy it is to just keep scrolling!
3. Stay physically active. Regular movement will keep your mind and body healthy, as well as potentially acting as a stress reliever.
4. Spend time outdoors. Fresh air, some time away from the books or screens, can all help reset your mind. Go for a walk, have a picnic or catch up with a friend outside!
5. Consume nutritious food options. Ensuring your brain and body are supported while you study or support someone studying helps maintain positivity and concentration levels.
6. Limit caffeine and sugar. It can be tempting to keep yourself fueled with these, but in reality these can result in energy crashes or interrupt your sleep schedule. A coffee first thing in the morning or a treat in the afternoon is a great way to keep in routine. but don't rely on them for your energy!
7. Spend some time relaxing. It may seem counter-intuitive to stop studying if someone is aiming for a good performance in an exam, but taking a break and resting allows your brain to rest and relax, which will result in more effective studying later!
8. Check in with others. This isn't a suggestion to constantly message your friends, freaking out! But speaking to our friends, checking in with one another and ensuring we're looking after each other is an important part of looking after ourselves, as well. We can't get by without our communities and support networks!
9. Ask for support or let others know if you're struggling. There's nothing wrong with feeling anxious or stressed about assessments, but keeping it to yourself can lead to a never ending cycle of negative thinking. Let your family and friends know and let them offer to support you.
10. Use tools to help calm your stress levels. Although we should be checking in with one another and asking for help when we need it, having some tools ready to go can be crucial for managing during times of stress.
Breathing exercises and meditation can both be helpful. Most music streaming services also offer breathwork and meditation programs, as well as meditive prayers.
And remember that the internet has lots of great resources for any students and/or family members feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Why not try out the exercises below? Follow the links for more information:
Breathing exercises – https://raisingchildren.net.au...
Muscle relaxation exercises – https://raisingchildren.net.au...
Grounding and calming exercises – https://raisingchildren.net.au...
