Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • May 2012
Is exam stress seeping into your household?

It’s that time of the year when tension is rising to a crescendo in many homes as children prepare to sit GCSEs, AS level and A2 exams. Having
written about the tantrums experienced in her family last October, Elaine Watts passes on some tips on how to cope as the exam season kicks in.
What can you do to help your child? for relaxation and emotional sup- idea. Consider reshuffling family centration, you can improve it by
A student who is under stress needs port will all help. Show an interest chores for a short time. starting with short bursts of study,
to know that they have the support in their revision timetable; if they What can the individual who is ap- then adding an extra few minutes
of family and friends. Regular haven’t mentioned a revision time- proaching exams do? to each session. Don’t try to study
meals, appropriate opportunities table, suggest this might be a good for longer than 45 to 60 minutes at
Plan a revision timetable. Estimate
how much time you want to allocate a stretch.
to each topic, allowing more time What’s the best approach to the
◆ Your local family hairdresser for things you find most difficult. actual exams?
◆ 25% discount for Seniors Everyone needs time off, and it’s Be prepared, reduce the scope for
Call now for an appointment a bad idea to abandon your social anxiety, have everything you need
on 01793 871120 life and sporting activities, but for ready in advance. Eat before the
a period near the examinations, exam; treat yourself like a well
or 07967 363322 you may need to cut down. This honed machine, try and have a
By Sue HOME VISITS AVAILABLE may require hard choices, but do proper breakfast.
you really want to be saying on Believe me, no one can think
results day ‘If only I had revised straight on Red Bull and a packet of
Do You Want to? more?’ Or have to repeat another Monster Munch. Once in the exam,
year to get the grades you need if you feel panic rising and your
• Gain a deeper understanding of yourself for uni because you couldn’t resist mind going blank, take a minute
and become more confident in coping with attending every party? or two and just breathe.
everyday situations What’s the best way to revise? After the exam
There’s no ‘right’ way to revise, it’s Try and avoid having a post-mor-
• Make sense of relationships and situations largely a matter of what suits you tem, however tempting, thinking
• Manage feelings of stress, depression, anxiety, best and the particular exam you’re about all the answers you gave and
taking. Methods might include if they were good enough. This will
anger or confusion making notes from text books, writ- only stress you further.
ing quick summaries of topics in the Try to forget about the last exam,
Elaine Watt Focused Counselling form of mind maps, spidergrams, and focus on the next one, instead.
BACP accredited counsellor flash cards or posters. Above all start believing that
Tel: 07919 343407 What about a revision buddy? you can do this. It is amazing what
to make an appointment for a no fee consultation Could you team up with someone the power of positive thinking can
to revise and explain a particular attract.
www.focusedcounselling.com topic to each other? • Elaine runs Focussed Counselling.
If you have a problem with con- See her advertisement left.

Careers advice from Learning for Life

Educational charity Learning for Life has become one of the Swindon-
based providers of advice, training and guidance in the government’s
National Careers Service, helping adults over the age of 19 get on in
work and life.

Rendezvous Special For Two
1/4 Aromatic Crispy Duck
OR Barbecue Ribs, Crispy Seaweed & Mini Vegetable Spring Rolls
Choose 3 Dishes of your choice from our selection:
Sweet & Sour Chicken (HK Style)
Beef with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce
Prawns with Ginger & Spring Onions
Spicy Salt & Garlic Chicken
Lemon Chicken Learning for Life advisor Robert Martins explaining the careers service
Chicken Curry Describing the service Learning provide therapeutic learning and
Chicken Chow Mein for Life manager Nalni Sorr said: life and work skills for the disabled
Satay Roast Pork “The National Careers Service and for disadvantaged learners.
HHH provides tailored personal develop- “Our counsellors, advisors and
Egg Fried Rice, Prawn Crackers & Fortune Cookies ment opportunities for individuals tutors are fully qualified and we
to clarify short and long term goals, are reaching out to people who
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Special meal cannot be changed • Available until 24th November 2012 identify training and funding op- domestic violence, or experienced
Tel: 01793 703388 tions and find loans for personal drug and alcohol addiction, who
perhaps need some assistance in
career development.
Unit 2 Elstree Way, Abbey Meads SN25 4YX DELIVERY OR TAKE AWAY “Individuals may receive up getting back into work and educa-
OPEN: Sun - Thur 4.45pm - 11.15pm; Fri & Sat 4.45pm - 11.45pm to three advice sessions within a tion. We are particularly keen to
Last orders for delivery 15 minutes before closing time. Open Every Bank Holiday year, depending on their existing make contact with community
qualification level.”
groups to discuss what we offer.”
Licenced to sell and deliver wine and beer Learning for Life has also secured For details contact Nalni at Learn-
See our full menu at: www.rendezvous.uk.net a contract worth just over £10,000 ing for Life on 01793 608780 or mail:
from the South West Foundation to nalni@L4LSwindon.co.uk

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