Is Blue Monday a real thing?
January 17, 2025
No Comments
Hypnotherapy Targets Exam Stress!
I am focusing this month on the issue of stress caused by exams as many people start to revise (or cram) for those oh-so-important examinations this summer.
Thousands of people up and down the country will be taking an exam of some sort during the late spring and early summer. Other than the obvious (GCSEs, A levels, and Degrees) there are many people taking exams leading to professional qualifications, and many rely on a good pass grade to obtain a place at university or college, a professional qualification leading to employment, or even being able to KEEP their job. All very stressful and, although most of us get through exams without too much difficulty in the end, there are a significant number of us for whom the pressure can become too much, leading to poor results, or being physically unable to participate in the actual exams resulting in associated negative outcomes.
It is completely normal, and in some ways a positive thing, to feel some anxiety around preparing for and taking exams, just as it can be with other important events in life. A little bit of anxiety, that ‘nervous tension’, can actually act as a motivator and can help the person to focus their attention, keeping the mind alert. However, exam stress becomes a problem when it reaches a level where it interferes with the ability to prepare for and perform in exams. Too high an anxiety level interferes with clear, coherent, and creative thinking and can also create a negative mindset, which in turn can lead to panic.
I am a practitioner of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH). SFH is a modern research-based combination of hypnosis and psychotherapy, which promotes relaxation and helps clients to make beneficial lifestyle changes. Hypnotherapy is a great way to reduce stress and create new positive study habits. It can help during study periods and also help on the day of the exam itself because you are feeling more in control and relaxed. It can also improve and restore confidence and the motivation to succeed.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be beneficial for anyone taking exams, especially students who have been away from study for some time can be especially prone to stress and could benefit greatly from Hypnotherapy to get back into the rhythm and discipline of studying. We know that too much pressure can lead to stress and a range of physical and mental health problems. You don’t need this at any time, but especially when you need to be on top of your game and get those grades! Stress affects the way you think, feel, and behave, impacting every area of your life. Hypnotherapy offers powerful techniques and strategies to enable you to deal with exam stress and to help you think and behave in a more positive way which has many benefits prior to, during, and after those exams.
I encourage clients to focus on how they want things to be. I avoid problem-talk and instead help our clients to visualise their preferred future. By encouraging clients to think and express themselves positively, I can help to improve their outcomes.
Other ways to reduce exam stress are to:
Create a REALISTIC study timetable so that you can tick boxes, this will give you a sense of achievement and boost your confidence knowing that you are working towards your goals.
Take plenty of breaks. If you don’t have a break your brain will become fatigued and won’t absorb information so readily.
Maybe meet up with a few friends to study certain areas – as long as you can be disciplined, it makes studying a bit more fun for a few hours.
Exercise if only for 10-20 minutes, this can get everything moving again and wake you up if you have been sat at a desk or laptop all day, a very welcome break from books. Exercise (if it’s one that you enjoy) boosts serotonin – one of the feel good chemicals in the brain.
Get plenty of sleep – countless studies have shown that sleep is vital for retention of information in long term memory. There is little to be gained from staying up until 4am cramming for an exam, then entering the exam room physically and mentally drained. A relaxation CD can help many people drifty of too sleep naturally.
Think positively, visualise yourself feeling calm, relaxed and confident going into exams, make a moving picture in your mind of how you want to act and feel on the day of the exam, calm, in control, relaxed etc. and focus on that, NOT the worry and panic that may ensue. Also visualise the moment after the exam as you leave the room happy with your performance. Practicing feeling calm in these situations will help you on the day.
I have practices in Burnham-on-Sea, Bridgwater & Taunton; please call me for a free initial consultation where you will receive a free relaxation CD. 07795561905 www.edvhypnotherapy.co.uk
