The Hour

Across the country around 160,000 young people aged between 15 and 18 are stressing over their exam revision, but getting the best mark often means finding time to relax. Fiona McAuliffe, from Young Scot, joined The Hour to reveal some top tips for unwinding.

She said: “What’s important to remember is that this is a new experience for young people. So new pressures, some of them may have never sat in an exam room full of other pupils so it’s important to remember that everyone deals with exam stress in different ways.”

Even so, there are some common things that everyone can do to help them relax and it starts with your diet. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy fruit and veg, blending them into a smoothie can leave you with some delicious brain juice.

For extra energy, try adding wholegrain cereals to the smoothie and perhaps a bit of honey for taste. The time spent making the smoothie also gives you that vital ten minutes away from your desk.

The other vital component to revision is sleep. Most people need eight hours a night to fully function the next day, but for teenagers this can be as much as ten. The best way to get to sleep quickly is to turn off all electrical equipment before you go to bed.

Watching TV or playing video games will stimulate your brain, whereas reading a book or having a bath will help you relax. Playing some soothing music can also be a good idea.

There are also plenty of gadgets you can use to relieve stress or just to get away from your desk for a while. John Lewis’ Sports department sell a Light Up Wrist Ball that can give your forearms and biceps a workout for just £10.

If all you want to do is throw something around then a rugby stress ball costs just £3.50, or for a gentle massage why not try the Homedics Percussion Massager for £35 or Jacknobber massagers for £9.

Red 5 also have a range of stress products, including the Stressed Paul for £7, Pac Man Stress Ball for £5, Bucky Balls Classic for £25 and Headonizm Head Massager for £5. For a more gentle massage try the Mini Massager White for £9 or for a soothing atmosphere try the Mood Cube, costing just £6.

Of course, relieving stress can be as easy as just talking to someone.

Fiona said: “Parents and people who have young people in the house should encourage them to speak to support networks whether it’s at school or it’s an organisation or even if its just chatting to your friends on the phone.”

By combining all or some of these techniques, you should be able to focus on your revision without it taking over your life.

Fiona added: “Exams are really important, they’re a big part of your education, but at the end of the day it’s not the end of the world if you can’t get them.”

Visit the Young Scot website or call 0808 801 0338 for more information on the organisation, or for work and living advice visit Young Scot Extra. For information and confidential advice on health concerns you might have as a teenager try speaking to Lowdown or call 0808 802 4444. Both lines are open 10am-6pm, Monday to Friday.