People think it’s easier being a teenager, but they never had to deal with the pressures of years 11 and 12. Today, students throughout New South Wales have to take HSC exams and assessments, which means you need to figure out how to deal with HSC nerves. Because let’s face it – trying to a university to accept you is a big thing. Enrol into the right course and your prospects skyrocket.
The world is your oyster, so you shouldn’t let pesky nerves get in the way. Thankfully, you don’t need to with our top tips on tackling HSC nerves head-on.
Spot The Telltale Signs
The first rule of the HSC nerves club is not to talk about the HSC nerves club. That’s how most students feel regarding their mental health. You might think it’s better to ignore it and push the emotions down rather than find a solution, but this method only exacerbates the problems. As soon as you spot the telltale signs of HSC nerves, you should recognise and accept them. Some of them are mental, such as fatigue and a lack of patience, and others are physical, like anxiety, rashes, and even indigestion.
Speak Up About Your HSC Nerves
Okay, it’s a cliche, but the best way to deal with HSC nerves is to open up to someone you trust. The only way to get the feelings off your chest is to vent as it encourages you to work through your emotions and understand them better. Whomever you choose, remember that they should take the pressure off your shoulders and not be a burden. So, if this doesn’t sound like mum or dad, then talk to a friend or a cool relative. Also, your school should have a guidance counselor if you want to keep it on the down-low.
Take A Break To Help Your HSC Nerves
You’re aware of the signs and have spoken about your feelings, yet the HSC nerves aren’t going anywhere. Why? It’s because you haven’t taken a step back. Cramming in revision is a tried and tested method that has stood teens in good stead for decades, but it’s not the healthiest option. Mixing studying and deadlines only results in more tension, which leads to more nerves. It’s a vicious cycle! The only way to break it is to take a day off from studying and enjoy some ‘me’ time. Often, we all need to take a step back to move forward.
Complete Practice Papers
Last but not least, why not try a practice paper to help your HSC Nerves? Completing a mock exam is an excellent way to prove that you’re not as far behind as you believe. Usually, pupils benefit from a practice paper as it shows them that there isn’t too much to fear. As long as you study, you can score highly and maybe be a top achiever in the state of NSW. NSW Education Standards Authority, NESA, has a range of confidence-builders that you can download.
HSC Nerves & Your Mental Health
Remember that mental health is real, even in young kids and teens. A report has found that HSC exam nerves can be incredibly stressful, so please be aware of the risks and take care of yourself.