How do you cope with exam stress? The University of Aberdeen have found a novel way of keeping students calm – puppies. With the help of Guide Dogs Scotland, the university introduced the ‘puppy room’ to relax worried students. Students get fifteen minutes with the puppies, and in return the guide dogs get all-important human interaction.
Emma Carlén, president of societies and student activities at the university, said: “We got a really positive reaction to that from both the guide dogs and the students, it really chilled them out, so that encouraged us to get this set up for the exam period.”
She added that the student association had branched out in the quest to relieve exam stress: “We hand out packages for students, giving them recommendations on what they should eat and drink to make sure they stay healthy to avoid stress as well as handing out free tea and coffee before exams.
“We also work with the sports and exercise team, who give out free massages to students and encourage healthy eating.”
The pressure of exams on young people is often overlooked, and it is something that is constant from school years up until higher education. Ann Pulling of charity ChildLine said: “The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people. We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision.”
The university follows American trends of canine therapy, as both Harvard Medical School and Yale Law School have resident therapy dogs for anxious students. Recent research in Japan found that by just showing people photos of puppies and kittens helped people concentrate more easily, as well as feeling happier.
However, not all of us can get a dose of puppy for our pre-exam jitters. Here are some fur-free alternatives:
1. Release some endorphins
Get a natural high with some exercise and release some endorphins. Not only will you feel more relaxed by reaching for your running shoes, but you’ll also be slightly fitter!
2. Take a break
Sometimes you just have to throw in the towel (temporarily of course). Make your breaks count, and give yourself a specific set time to do something that you enjoy. Whether it’s savouring a bar of chocolate or taking a walk to your favourite spot, try not to whittle away free time in front of Hollyoaks.
3. Make a plan
One of the best ways to reduce exam stress is to maximise your revision time in order to be more confident. By making a plan, you’ll feel as though you are being more productive. Even if you don’t stick to it completely, there is still a rough guide in front of you.
4. Buddy up
Revision is always more fun with a friend. Grab a coursemate to make revision more enjoyable. Sometimes just talking through a concept will make it much more comprehensible than spending hours in front of a computer.
5. Sleep
An underrated one – make sure you’re getting enough sleep! Going to bed at 4am every night isn’t going to do you any favours. Anything you’ve crammed into your brain after 12am isn’t going to stay there for long.
Read next: 6 Great Sites for Productive Procrastination
Written by Sarah Davis