Everyday Exam Season Habits That Help Students Stay Calm, Focused, and Energised

Exams don’t just test knowledge — they test stamina, mindset, and emotional balance. That’s why schools today are introducing simple, practical stress management strategies to help students stay mentally strong throughout exam season. These small, consistent habits can make a huge difference in reducing stress, increasing focus, and improving overall wellbeing.

Here’s a breakdown of some practical exercises students (and staff!) can build into their daily routine — all backed by best-practice strategies and tools now being rolled out in many schools.

💡 For Energy – Posture, Body, and Breath

A tired body can wipe out even the sharpest mind. Help students reset their energy throughout the day with these micro-habits:

• Sit Tall & Align the Spine: Whether revising or sitting in an exam, slouching can increase fatigue and reduce focus. Simply straightening up and aligning the spine signals the brain to pay attention.
• Feet Flat, Shoulders Down: A relaxed but upright body improves circulation and reduces physical tension.
• 3 Deep Breaths: This Box Breathing exercises works! Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat three times. This quick reset boosts oxygen to the brain and improves clarity.

😴 For Sleep – Create Calm Evenings

Winding down is essential to manage stress and set the memory. Encourage students to try:

• Guided Visualisation: Imagining a peaceful setting (a quiet beach, forest path, or favourite relaxing place) helps shift the nervous system out of “fight or flight.”
• Bedtime Breathing: 4-7-8 breathing is ideal before bed: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. It calms the nervous system and encourages deep rest.
• Screen-Free Wind-Down: Encourage at least 30–60 minutes tech-free before bed to reduce overstimulation.

📚 For Studying – Plan, Break, Reset

Stress builds when revision feels overwhelming. Help students adopt study habits that balance effort with recovery:

• Study in Short Sprints: The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) keeps focus high and reduces burnout.
• Plan with Purpose: Start each session with a goal. This adds direction and gives a small win each time.
• Break Movement: Stretching, walking, or a minute of jumping jacks can reset the brain between sessions.

🧠 For Focus – Set the Brain Up for Success

Even the most capable student can lose focus when stress hijacks their thoughts. These focus practices build mental stamina:

• Mindfulness Check-Ins: Start study sessions or lessons with 60 seconds of silence, breath focus, or body awareness.
• Clear the Mental Desk: Before studying, write down anything on their mind. This brain dump helps release distractions.
• Sensory Grounding: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to calm nerves before exams or revision: 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.

🎁 The Power of Practice (and the Right Tools)

All of these practices work best when used regularly — and they’re even more effective when part of a school-wide strategy. Our Exam Stress Bundle gives schools, staff, and students exactly that: structured, calming, proven tools that can be used in tutor time, classrooms, or at home.

It includes lesson PowerPoints, student workbooks, MP3 recordings, visual infographics, and more.

👉 Help your students stay calm, confident, and ready for exam success.
Explore the Exam Stress Bundle now.