header exam stress girl looking at workbook on desk

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

girl in school uniform in classroom looking at exercise book

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

boy with headphones on looking at laptop

Managing exam preparation

Students investigate their strengths and goals to reflect on their study routines.

9-12

60 minutes

teacher smiling with students

Exam stress management

Students investigate practical strategies to manage exam stress.

9-12

60 minutes

student studying with pens

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

training minds to stretch and grow

How to manage disappointing results

Help students to identify lessons and strategies they can implement when they get disappointing results.

9-11

60 minutes

Wellbeing Fives

Energise, refocus and develop wellbeing in your students in 5 minutes

illustration of three friends quiz are you burning out

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

student smiling at school table

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

girl sitting with friends laughing

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

teacher smiling standing in front of classroom students at their desks

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

girl leaning against wall with eyes closed

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

father assisting daughter with homework

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

girl smiling talking to her friend on a bench outside

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

back angled side view of school girl writing on paper

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

portrait of schoolboy looking to the side

Goal setting

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

girl sitting on couch writing in notebook

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

two girls in grass field holding football

Physical life for stress release

Exercise is important; it not only gives students a break, but also releases endorphins.

7-12

5 minutes

Resources for parents and carers

Share with parents and carers to support a whole school approach to student wellbeing

An illustration of a study schedule with a pen and highlighter, and a young person chatting to their parent while they drink tea.

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.

Image of a young man lying on his bed holding his phone above his face and smiling.

How to help your teenager avoid distractions while studying

Use these tips to help your teenager avoid distractions while studying.

Father and daughter arguing at dining table

Quiz: Reflecting on your expectations

Take this quick quiz to find out if you and your child are on the same page, and what you can do to make things easier for you both at results time.

david and amy

Stories about what happens after high school

Hear from four families about what they did after exams and high school

Resources for students

Engaging and reliable content for young people to support their wellbeing.

5 steps to study success

5 steps to study success

We’ve done the homework on studying so you don’t have to. These are your scientifically-proven steps to study success.

Image of a young boy at high school in his uniform. He is looking away from the camera and smiling.

How to prioritise and get stuff done

Here's a simple tool to help you prioritise tasks and get stuff done.

An illustration of a young person wearing a t-shirt that says "do not disturb" sits cross-legged on the floor surrounded by books and notes. They look relaxed and content.

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.

stress swaps thumbnail

Stress Swaps: Ways to reduce exam stress

If you're feeling stressed about exams, there's some simple swaps you can make to help you deal.