💭 Exam stress: how to cope when A Levels feel overwhelming
Advice from Dr Andrew Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at University of Staffordshire.
If you’re sitting A Levels right now and feeling stressed, anxious, or under pressure - you’re not alone. This is a huge moment, and it’s normal for it to feel intense.
We spoke to Dr Andrew Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at University of Staffordshire, to share some practical ways to manage exam stress and keep things in perspective.
🧠 1. Stress isn’t always a bad thing
We often think stress = something going wrong. But actually, stress exists to help us perform.
A bit of stress can sharpen your focus and motivation. The key is how you interpret it.
Try asking yourself:
Our minds are very good at jumping straight to “everything will fall apart” but most of the time, that doesn’t happen. Give yourself a break.
💪 2. Confidence comes from preparation (not perfection)
Confidence doesn’t mean feeling calm all the time. It comes from knowing you’ve done what you reasonably can.
Think about:
Focus on being your best on the day, not being perfect.
🗣️ 3. Talk it out. Don’t carry it alone.
One of the most effective ways to cope with stress is social support.
That could be:
Saying things out loud often makes them feel more manageable. You don’t have to have all the answers - just talking helps.
🌱 Final reminder
Exams matter, but they don’t define you as a person.
Do your best, take breaks when you need them, and remember: one set of results doesn’t determine your entire future. There are always routes forward.
If you’re heading to university this September, know that support doesn’t stop when exams end. It continues once you arrive.
You’ve got this.
If you’re sitting A Levels right now and feeling stressed, anxious, or under pressure - you’re not alone. This is a huge moment, and it’s normal for it to feel intense.
We spoke to Dr Andrew Wilkinson, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at University of Staffordshire, to share some practical ways to manage exam stress and keep things in perspective.
🧠 1. Stress isn’t always a bad thing
We often think stress = something going wrong. But actually, stress exists to help us perform.
A bit of stress can sharpen your focus and motivation. The key is how you interpret it.
Try asking yourself:
•
Are the consequences really as bad as my brain is telling me they are?
•
What’s the realistic outcome here, not the worst-case scenario?
Our minds are very good at jumping straight to “everything will fall apart” but most of the time, that doesn’t happen. Give yourself a break.
💪 2. Confidence comes from preparation (not perfection)
Confidence doesn’t mean feeling calm all the time. It comes from knowing you’ve done what you reasonably can.
Think about:
•
What helps you feel ready on exam day?
•
Is it revising certain topics, getting sleep, eating properly, or planning your morning?
Focus on being your best on the day, not being perfect.
🗣️ 3. Talk it out. Don’t carry it alone.
One of the most effective ways to cope with stress is social support.
That could be:
•
Friends who are going through the same thing
•
Parents or carers
•
Teachers or tutors
Saying things out loud often makes them feel more manageable. You don’t have to have all the answers - just talking helps.
🌱 Final reminder
Exams matter, but they don’t define you as a person.
Do your best, take breaks when you need them, and remember: one set of results doesn’t determine your entire future. There are always routes forward.
If you’re heading to university this September, know that support doesn’t stop when exams end. It continues once you arrive.
You’ve got this.
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When I had taken my exams, I did not expect anything, but to pass them. High expectations cause the worst possible stress.
@always-anxious a thread suited for you. I can certainly give a good advice too.
@always-anxious a thread suited for you. I can certainly give a good advice too.
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