Leaving Cert: This breathing exercise will help ease your childs nerves

The Leaving Cert kicks off today and it’s safe to say there are plenty of nervous teenagers across the Emerald Isle.

We all know just how daunting the Leaving Cert is. It’s quite possibly one of the most overwhelming and intense times for school kids. Parents, teachers and their peers will try to reassure them, but there’s no doubt that thousands of youths will be feeling pretty anxious ahead of their exams.

It is important to remind them that these nerves are completely normal. We’re sure we’d be full of nerves if we had to go back in time and do our exams again.

You may feel daunted ahead of your exams, but there are so many ways to help ease these nerves. However, the last thing you want is to be in a state of panic and dread when you take your place in the exam hall.

We’ve conjured up a list of exam tips that will help ease student’s nerves throughout the Leaving Cert period:

1: Sleep is key

It is vital that students rest as much as possible before their exams. We have all stayed up until the early hours of the morning with our history notes scattered across the bedroom floor, but as tempting as it may be, it is not worth it. Your brain won’t function properly if you haven’t had a good night’s sleep. It’ll be harder for youths to remember quotes from Macbeth and maths theorem when they’re running on three hours sleep. Encourage your kids to have an early night before each exam.

2: Be organised:

This is one of the most important steps youths should practice during exam time. Little things like preparing your uniform and packing your bag the night before will make the mornings way easier. Students won’t be running around the house looking for their school jumper or panicking when they can’t find their calculator an hour before their math exam starts. Students should feel fairly calm and level-headed on the morning of their exams, but being unorganised will leave youths in a tizzy, which could affect their concentration. 

3: Practice mindfulness:

It is so important for youths to take care of their mental health during this time. The Leaving Cert is such a draining experience that can really take its toll on teenagers. Students may suffer from bouts and depression and anxiety during their exams. It’s important to offer them as much support as possible because it can be quite an isolating and emotional time. One thing that can help is mindfulness. One of the easiest ways to practice mindfulness is through breathing exercises.

This breathing exercise is simple for students to carry out before, during and after exams.

Step 1: Breathe slowly. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth

Step 2: Clear your mind by letting go of your thoughts and worries

Step 3: Focus on the now, the present moment

Step 4: Pay attention to the rhythm of your breathing as it enters your body

Step 5: Then focus on it as it leaves your body out through your mouth

Students can follow this routine for two minutes or 15 minutes, whatever works best for them at the moment.

Offer your support to students during exam time. It isn’t easy for them, but your support may help lower their stress levels a little bit.

Remind them to stay calm, stay focused and stay mindful throughout the next few weeks.

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