Student Based Services
Healthcare Information
Menu
Health Menu
Exam Stress
We recognise that many students experience heightened stress levels as examinations approach and in some cases that stress can become very acute, resulting in what many people refer to as panic attacks.
We aim to provide some practical advice and guidance about how you might moderate the effects of stress and deal with potential panic attacks, in addition to offering advice about how to cope if your panic and stress is part of a longer term issue for you.
Am I suffering from stress?
Could be, if you are experiencing symptoms which include "butterflies" in the stomach, trembling, palpitations or difficulty with sleeping, or if you are irritable, unable to concentrate or cry for no apparent reason.
How to Deal with Exam Stress:
How to deal with exam stress
Put your wellbeing first and make time to look after yourself. Your physical and mental wellbeing are very closely linked – take care of yourself and you will be able to cope far better with the pressures of the exam period.
- Food is fuel – eat regular, healthy meals, making sure you get plenty of fresh fruit and veg. Avoid greasy, sugary foods – they’ll slow you down and stop you working efficiently. Have a look here for healthy meal ideas and recipes
- Avoid caffeine (coffee, Pro-plus, energy drinks) – it will make you anxious and jittery, and you’ll find it hard to concentrate (and even harder to sleep properly!) Stick to water or herbal teas instead.
- Make sure you get plenty of sleep – your mind and body work best when they’ve had a chance to rest. Find out how to get a good nights’ sleep here.
- Allow yourself time to take some exercise. It’s really important to take a break from constant revision and give yourself time to re-energise. Try the Campus Trim Trail or perhaps take a walk or go for a bike ride.
- Preparation is the key to reducing potential exam stress. If you are confident you have done all you can to prepare yourself, you are far less likely to become stressed. Have a look here for tips on how to make the most of revision.
- Careful planning will allow you to make the most of your time, helping you to balance revision with sleeping, eating, exercise and keeping up with your social life. Check out some great time management advice here.
Student Learning Advisors
Each faculty has a student learning advisor, contact details for them are as below:
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences - contact studyadvice.fass@lancaster.ac.uk
- Faculty of Sciences & Technology and Faculty of Health & Medicine - contact studyadvice.fstandshm@lancaster.ac.uk
- Management School - contact studyadvice.lums@lancaster.ac.uk
How to Deal with a Panic Attack
I'm going to pass out", "I'm having a heart attack", "I'm losing control of myself", I'm going mad"
Panic attacks can be a frightening experience, but whilst they are very upsetting they do not cause permanent harm. Fortunately there is advice available on how to deal with such an attack.
Useful information can be found at:
Stress Busting
No Panic - National Organisation for Phobias, Anxeity, Neurosis, Information and Care
Anxiety UK
For further information and advice please contact The Base
