Exams can be very daunting to many young people and with the Scottish higher prelims starting on Monday, we have compressed some information on how to reduce stress during this unnerving time.

TOP 5 TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE EXAM STRESS - BY GYC
​1. Gather Support from family and friends
 It is know that young people are put off by their friends/peers saying they are doing loads of revision - don't compare yourself or your work load to others, it is not healthy. Instead, try reach out to your friends and family to discuss what you are expecting to achieve in the exams. This can help bat away any pressure from you, and unnecessary expectations. If you are feeling really anxious or even just that little bit, chat about it to a friend, class-mate, family member or teacher - this can help get things off your shoulders and they can possibly help you with their advice.
2. Be kind...to yourself
 You may have been told to be kind to others in the past, but this time, we are telling you to be kind to yourself. Exams are stressful, daunting, unnerving and can cause anxiety - that's why you should treat yourself. Write down all of your achievements, big or small, you accomplished that day or week.
3. Take breaks
You may loose track of time when you are studying, its common. So take regular breaks when doing so. Move yourself away from your desk, into a different room if you can, and relax for 15 minutes at a time. This can help you think about the stuff you are studying and let it sink in to your brain - making your studying and time much more effective!
4. Plan
To reduce stress you can plan your studying. Create a realistic timetable and try and stick to it. This could include time to exercise, take breaks, and maintain good hygiene. A  good starting point is BBC Bitesize guide to making ‘mind maps’ and free to download revision planners. 
5. Self care
​It may sound clichéd, but taking that 25 minute bath can help. Sitting down with a family member, friend, guardian, tutor with a warm cup of tea and talking through your exams can help. Taking small breaks can help. Be kind to yourself.

USEFUL LINKS
The NHS has tips for students and their parents or carers on ‘surviving exams’.
BBC Bitesize has lots of practical advice and resources to help you prepare for exams.
Samaritans - whatever you are going through, the Samaritans can help you - 24/7
116123
[email protected]

Good luck from all of us at Glasgow Youth Council.

Welcome to our Glasgow Youth Council quaterly update for September – December  2020, our members got up to a lot this quarter both in GYC.
 
First Executive committee (Exec) meeting – September 2020
Our brand knew Exec – who were elected at the AGM - met for the first time at the start of this month to discuss their plans for the upcoming year.
 
Exec Members - 2020-2021
At the AGM In September members voted and confirmed the new 2020/2021 Executive Committee who are as follows:
 
Chair – Danny Raja
Vice Chair – Ellie Craig
Secretary – Hayden Atkin
Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Emily Harle
Campaigns Officer - Sophie Reid
Finance and Events Officer – Catherine Mackie
Communications and Outreach Officer – Matthew Bellingham
 

 

Following the Extraordinary General Meeting that took place in February, where the positions of Vice Chair, Secretary, Finance and Events Officer, Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Campaigns Officer, and Communications and Outreach Officer were all vacated, and following the nominations process as set out in the GYC Constitution, the following candidates have been declares:

Vice Chair - Riya Banerjee and Suki Wan
Secretary - Keiran O'Neill
Finance and Events Officer - Mark Hume
Policy and Public Affairs - Riya Banerjee, Jack Dudgeon, and Catherine Mackie
Campaigns Officer - Ross McArthur
Communications and Outreach Officer - Lewis O'Neill

Elections will take place at the GYC Meeting on Wednesday 20th March - Good Luck to all the candidates!