April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how stress impacts our lives and explore ways to manage it effectively. At University of Worcester, we understand that exam season and assessment deadlines can be particularly challenging, which is why our Student Support and Wellbeing team is here to help you protect your mental health while achieving academic success.
This year, we’re marking Stress Awareness Month with resources, tips, and handouts to support your wellbeing during this busy time. Whether you’re revising for exams or completing coursework, we’ve got practical techniques to help you master study skills while prioritising self-care.
Collect Our Handouts: Wellbeing Check for Assessment Prep
To help you reflect on your study habits and wellbeing, we’ve created six handouts titled “Wellbeing Check for Assessment Prep: Techniques for Mastering Study Skills While Managing Your Self-Care.” These resources are designed to guide you through key questions about your approach to studying and self-care. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s included:
- What Motivates You?
Understanding your motivation is crucial for staying focused. Are you driven by long-term goals, personal growth, or external rewards? Reflecting on what inspires you can help keep you energised during challenging moments. - What Are Your Barriers?
Identifying obstacles—such as procrastination, distractions, or lack of confidence—can empower you to tackle them head-on. This handout provides strategies to overcome common barriers and keep moving forward. - What Is Your Learning Style?
Everyone learns differently. Are you a visual learner who benefits from diagrams, an auditory learner who prefers discussions, or a kinaesthetic learner who thrives on hands-on activities? Discovering your learning style can help you tailor your study methods for maximum effectiveness. - Have You Studied Enough?
It’s easy to feel uncertain about whether you’ve prepared enough for an exam. This handout offers tips on assessing your progress and ensuring you’re ready without overloading yourself. - Study Tips You’d Like to Share
Sharing study tips with peers can be incredibly rewarding! Use this handout to jot down techniques that work for you—whether it’s flashcards, mind maps, or group study sessions—and exchange ideas with others. - Where Do You Like to Study?
Your study environment plays a big role in your productivity. Do you thrive in quiet spaces like the library or prefer the buzz of a coffee shop? Reflecting on where you feel most comfortable can help optimise your revision sessions.
These handouts will be available in firstpoint throughout April—be sure to pick them up and use them as part of your preparation toolkit.
Stress Awareness Month: #LeadWithLove
This year’s theme for Stress Awareness Month is #LeadWithLove, encouraging us to approach ourselves and others with kindness and compassion during stressful times like exam season. Here’s how you can incorporate this mindset into your routine:
- Be kind to yourself: Avoid harsh self-criticism if things don’t go as planned; instead, focus on what you’ve achieved so far and celebrate small wins.
- Support others: Share study tips or check in with friends who might be struggling—it’s amazing how much mutual support can ease stress.
- Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply or meditate; these moments of calm can make a big difference in how you handle pressure.
Other Resources Available
In addition to our handouts, there is a variety of resources to help you with keeping a balance between getting work done, and looking after yourself:
- Pets As Therapy dogs will be in firstpoint on 8th and 10th April, between 1pm-2pm. Plus, look out for our regular “Fancy a Cuppa?” in firstpoint and “Craft and Cuppa Club” in the Hangar
- Book a one-to-one meeting with a Student Life adviser, by emailing studentlife@worc.ac.uk. The advisers offer confidential support on a broad range of pastoral and welfare issues, and work closely with other support services in the University.
- For additional academic support, have you considered speaking with an Academic Liaison Librarian, or making an appointment with the Academic Writers in Residence? The University also has a Centre of Academic English and Skills. See the firstpoint study skills webpage for more details
Final Thoughts
Deadlines and exams are important, but so is looking after yourself—and the two go hand in hand! By reflecting on your study habits using our “Wellbeing Check for Assessment Prep” handouts and accessing the support available, you’ll be better equipped to manage stress while preparing effectively for assessments.
This Stress Awareness Month, let’s embrace #LeadWithLove together—visit the Student Services hub today to pick up your handouts, access resources, and learn more about how we can support you!
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