Here’s how to deal with HSC stress:
(1) Don’t be unrealistic: You have spent most of your life at school, so you know your capabilities and limits. The key thing is to do your best, and that will always be good enough. Keep telling yourself this every time you feel overwhelmed with pressure to be top of the class.
(2) Take time out: It’s not healthy to constantly have your nose in a book. So drawing up a realistic revision schedule and sticking to it is a great way to stay focused. Don’t forget to include some time for relaxation away from your books.
(3) Get some exercise: Not only is it a great way to deal with HSC stress, but a quick 15 minute jog around the block will max out your concentration span.
(4) Don’t listen to your friends: Chances are, they won’t tell you they spent all weekend studying for fear of looking daggy. On the other hand, there will be some of your friends who will tell you they will just "wing" the exams. Don’t use them as a benchmark – know what you have to do and do it.
(5) Revise methodically: Rote learning is not particularly useful, so write out important dates, facts, or passages and stick notes around your house in plain sight. After a while, these facts will sink in without any extra effort on your part.