Writing exams – whether for GCSEs, A levels, university or as a working adult seeking promotion – can be stressful and an anxious time for the student as well as their immediate family and friends.
As a result, exam stress can literally paralyze a student and even keep them from getting the grades for which they have studied. In some instances, many ‘props’ or ‘quick cures’ are often used in an attempt to relax the student.
These range from popping bubble wrap to cuddling pets. The BBC reported that the University of Leicester students’ union is planning ‘bubble wrap stations’ where students can relax by popping the packaging material. Puppies will also be brought in to soothe stressed-out students.
Michael Rubin, president elect of the students’ union, said ‘mental well-being is a top priority’ during exams.
And even school websites, like ukprivate schools.com, offer advice to students and parents on what to do before, during and after exams.
Stress can be an unnoticed and gradual build up of many pressures and, while many of us are able to cope with big issues like exams, for some they are too demanding or combined with everything else going on, they can become overwhelming, resulting in stress and anxiety.
Stress effects people in different ways that can either be dealt with or if not spotted or understood, or adequately tackled lead to more problems both physical and mental.
Hypnotherapy has a proven track record in helping people cope with stress and anxiety and the National Council for Hypnotherapy has more than 1800 qualified hypnotherapists who can help.
Anxiety is a fear or concern that is exaggerated, and is out of proportion to the situation, although sometimes it may not feel like this. The symptoms of anxiety correlate with the stress response and your therapist will advice that it is important to reduce anxiety in your life. Research shows that prolonged exposure to cortisol and other stress related hormones can cause memory problems, a weakened immune system, increased blood pressure and even reduce fertility.
Your therapist will work with you to reach your goals using a range of different techniques. Every therapist may use slightly different techniques but each will be working towards the same goal.
After sessions with a hypnotherapist you may feel more confident; more relaxed in situations that have previously challenged you. Many people say that they are calmer and that they have more clarity of thought – able to make decisions more easily.
Some clients, who have experienced side effects of anxiety such as insomnia, find that they are sleeping much better and as a result are able to work more effectively.
It is as if hypnotherapy unlocks the potential you have to break free of negative thought patterns, and to react more positively and more confidently to situations in your life that may have previously made you anxious.
In spite of much debate, exams are going to stay a part of student life, professional life and personal life so, if you find exams stressful, contact an NCH hypnotherapist near you by clicking here and make exams less of an ordeal.