The photo above is a major throwback. I had just turned 16, and was awaiting the beginning of my GCSE examinations. I went to an all girls school in Northampton, and for the most part really enjoyed my time there. Looking back, there was a lot of things I stressed about that really weren't worth it! I went on to do A-Levels, however left after a year to go to college. 

My sister is currently revising for her AS exams and finds coping with exam stress really difficult. 

Luckily, whenever I sit an exam, I have a few little coping mechanisms that really help me keep my cool. They might not work for you, but a bit of self-love doesn't hurt anyone! 

First and foremost, take a bloody break! Yes these exams are important, but you are so much more. It is not healthy for your mind, body or soul, to be stuck in a room revising solidly for days on end. Go for a walk, bake a cake, make yourself a nice cup of tea! You're going to do really great and you're going to feel so proud of yourself once you have finished your exams. 

Make your space a relaxing one, just because you're revising doesn't mean you can't be relaxed. Light a nice candle, or play some chilled at music. I also find that by making my space clean and tidy I am able to focus on everything I do. Candle wise, I love anything by Lily Flame, a UK brand that have absolutely beautiful candles, which you can have a look at here! Silent night and Fairy Dust are some of my favourites. 

Eat well. Drink lots of fluid. If you're in to health, drink water and smoothies and stay beautifully hydrated. If you love sweet treats then go ahead and treat yourself for all your hard work. Buy fruit and sweets and chocolate and hummus. You're working hard and you deserve to feed your body with lovely food and drink. I love a naughty salad, with chorizo and feta cheese, not exactly the healthiest of meals but it sure is delicious! 

Remember to rest, you need to sleep, you need to watch your favourite netflix show, you need to recharge the batteries in your brain. You're working so hard and you need to remember to get enough sleep every night. You'll thank me! 

Most importantly, love yourself! Yes i'm a bit of helmet sometimes and I get a lot of things wrong. I might not get A*'s but I will most certainly get a grade that represents my best efforts. (Repeat after me)  I will be proud that I tried my best and I will have the best summer after all of this! 

You're amazing. You have so much information in your brain, and you feel so pressured, but you're doing great. 

You're doing great.

Have you got any exam stress tips to pass on to others?

Thank you for reading,

Ellie x