DEALING WITH STRESS & PRESSURE

• Most people who have ever taken the leaving certificate or are currently studying towards it would agree that it can be a stressful experience.

• Students can often feel a degree of pressure to perform well in the exam, and there is a huge amount of work and study to complete in such a short period of time.

• So it’s important that you take care of yourself during this period.

MINDFULNESS• Mindfulness meditation is a simple and effective way to help remain calm and relaxed

during exams.

• Mindfulness is very simple – you don’t need to have any previous experience to engage in it and benefit from it.

• You just need to be willing to take some time each day, whether it be just 3 minutes, or 10 minutes, or 20 minutes, to tune back into your body, your thoughts and feelings and to give yourself some time and space through meditation.

• Meditation sometimes lasts for just 2 or 3 minutes but can be very effective even in such a short space of time.

• Check out the youtube clip that goes with this topic for a 3 minute "Breathing Space" meditation.

• You can also access mindfulness podcasts from the DCU website by following the ‘DCU Mindfulness’ link: http://www.dcu.ie/students/counselling/mindfulness-podcasts.shtml

FURTHER SUPPORT

• If you feel you would like some further support with staying healthy and well during your leaving certificate you can talk to your Guidance Counsellor at school.

• You can also talk to your GP at any time for advice on any mental health issues you may be experiencing.