Study Stress
Stress is natural. It's the body's way of sharpening focus, and of increasing stamina and alertness, so that you can rise to challenges and face tough situations. This type of stress is productive stress. On the other hand, unproductive stress can cause health issues and other problems. It’s important to be able to relieve or manage unproductive stress.
The key to managing stress is finding the sweet spot between the two types. The following activities with stress management techniques for students should help them do that.
This resource is designed to help you support your students (and their parents and carers) through the stressful exam period. It includes a suite of activities intended to help teachers or wellbeing staff better understand how students experience stress. Interactive activities can be used to promote class discussion and to help those who may not be coping with the stress in their lives.
The activities cover tips and resources on everything from encouraging students to adopt a growth mindset, to suggestions for effective study habits. We’ve also included some of our most popular content from ReachOut.com that you can photocopy and share with your students, as well as content from ReachOut.com/Parents that you can share in communications with the parent community at your school.
Classroom resources
Designed to be engaging and relevant to your students
What is stress?
Help students reflect on current levels and understanding of stress. Learn what influences levels of stress, including what we can and can't control.
9-12
60 minutes
Growth mindsets
Students explore the concepts of growth and fixed mindsets and the impact these can have on managing stress.
9-12
60 minutes
Managing exam preparation
Students investigate their strengths and goals to reflect on their study routines.
9-12
60 minutes
Exam stress management
Students investigate practical strategies to manage exam stress.
9-12
60 minutes
Create your own Study Hack Pack
Students watch the ReachOut video ‘Study Hacks’ and create their own Study Hack Pack to use for study.
9-12
60 minutes
How to manage disappointing results
Help students to identify lessons and strategies they can implement when they get disappointing results.
9-11
60 minutes
Coping with disappointing Year 12 results
Students identify skills, strategies and supports they can use to cope with feelings of disappointment after receiving their final Year 12 results.
12
60 minutes
How to plan (not cram)
Teach students effective study planning techniques to help them avoid last-minute cramming, reduce exam stress and improve learning outcomes.
9-12
60 minutes
Wellbeing Fives
Energise, refocus and develop wellbeing in your students in 5 minutes
Burnout check-in quiz
Students complete a quiz to help them recognise the signs of burnout, as well as how and where to seek support if they need it.
9-12
5 minutes
Self-care strategies during exam time
Students read a case study to help them identify self-care strategies they could use during exam time.
9-12
5 minutes
Three good things
Encourage students to share good things that have happened in their life with other students which can help build relationships and connections.
7-12
5 minutes
Easy classroom stretches
Stretching is a simple stress-release activity. Stretching increases the blood flow to muscles, which helps release tension. Students can stretch sitting at their desks or while moving around.
7-12
5 minutes
Releasing stress
This exercise uses progressive muscle relaxation to help student notice, release and manage muscle tension and feel less stressed.
7-12
5 minutes
Foods that help our brain to study
Students learn the benefits of eating nutritious foods, especially during stressful periods of study or exams.
7-12
5 minutes
Helping others with study stress
Students need to feel empowered not only to help others, but also to help themselves. This activity gives students the opportunity to role play difficult conversations they may have with friends.
7-12
5 minutes
Check-in line
Sometimes students can’t explain how they are feeling. Using a continuum removes the pressure and lets students demonstrate visually how they are coping.
7-12
5 minutes
Goal setting lesson
Goal setting is a great way to focus and motivate. By setting clear and achievable goals, young people can remember the what and the why.
7-12
5 minutes
Mind dump
When we feel overwhelmed, it’s easy to dwell on what we don’t know, instead of celebrating what we do know.
7-12
5 minutes
Physical life for stress release
Exercise is important; it not only gives students a break, but also releases endorphins.
7-12
5 minutes
What's your at-home study style?
Students complete a quiz to determine their at-home study style.
7-12
5 minutes
Resources for parents and carers
Share with parents and carers to support a whole school approach to student wellbeing
Understanding exam stress in teenagers
Find out what causes stress during exams, the signs of stress, and ways your teen can manage their wellbeing.
Practical strategies for managing exam stress
Support your teen with a range of strategies to help them manage their stress before, during and after exams.
How to make a study schedule with your teenager
Creating a study schedule can help alleviate your teen’s exam stress by encouraging them to stay organised and motivated.
How to help your teenager avoid distractions while studying
Use these tips to help your teenager avoid distractions while studying.
Resources for students
Engaging and reliable content for young people to support their wellbeing.
ReachOut's exam checklist
Got an exam tomorrow? Our handy exam checklist will help you prepare for it – both the night before and on the day – so you can tackle your exam with confidence and peace of mind.
How to nail your study–life balance
If you find it tricky and stressful to balance your time between study and the rest of your life, try these strategies.
How to manage your time while studying
Study smarter, not harder, with these big-picture and day-to-day strategies for time management.
How to deal with exam anxiety
Most of us experience some level of exam anxiety. But sometimes it can become too much. Learn what exam anxiety is, what causes it, and some tips and strategies for getting on top of it.