Stress and anxiety to foster success… Sounds strange?
Wanting to pass and get really good grades is a legitimate desire, which reflects healthy development. Furthermore, stress and anxiety are facts of life and help us in many situations: achieving goals, succeeding, fulfilling a task and performing.
There is an “OPTIMAL” stress and anxiety zone that allows a person to perform.
For example, being apprehensive and stressed about an exam helps students motivate themselves to study. In the same way, a student who has to give an oral presentation in class and who experiences a minimum of stress will probably find that their stress helps them make their presentation more lively and dynamic.
From the Mini-guide Performance anxiety in teens Special school edition by the Youth in Mind Foundation
Quick solutions for managing stress!
*Some teachers allow it to be used in class.
Cheat and anchoring techniques card
Upset stomach, clammy hands, shaking, sweating, memory blanks…
Anxiety is a very real disorder that manifests itself in different ways.
Anxiety has a negative impact on learning because it brings up all sorts of distracting thoughts that have nothing to do with the task at hand. These thoughts can be overwhelming and prevent your child from retaining, processing, or recalling what they’ve learned. When they look at their exam sheet, their mind goes blank.
When to consult?
If your child has signs or symptoms of anxiety that worry you, resources are available where you can get information, help and support. Consult the page Mental health help and support resources by need.
However, consult a doctor or another healthcare professional (including a professional at the school or educational institution your child goes to) if you experience one of the following situations frequently or for a long time:
What can I do as a parent?
If your child is feeling anxious about an upcoming exam, it’s important to be a good listener and to highlight the positives.
From Overcoming test anxiety by Alloprof Parents
A healthy lifestyle is a major factor in success!
On the Healthy Lifestyle Habits (Tips and Tricks) page of our Mental Health Toolbox, find out how to:
Help your child understand the importance of good sleep by visiting the page Sleep for success from The University of British Columbia.