Well-being & revision: Supporting yourself through GCSEs
1. Why looking after your wellbeing matters
Revision and exams can feel intense.
There can be lots of pressure to perform, and sometimes it’s easy to forget about your mental and physical health. It is normal for exam stress to build up, and that’s why self-care matters now more than ever.
When you take care of your wellbeing, you’re not just resting – you’re helping your brain learn better, concentrate more clearly, and stay calm under pressure.
2. Simple ways to protect your mental health while revising
Here are some proven ways to look after yourself during revision and exam season. These can make a big difference, even if they feel small.
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Plan regular breaks and fun stuff around revision
Rather than filling every spare minute with study, build in time for things you enjoy: hobbies, walks, chatting with friends, listening to music, or just chilling.
It helps your mind recharge and avoids burnout.
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Give yourself permission to rest
It’s normal to feel guilty when you take a break instead of revising, but rest is part of revision too. Having a clear head helps you learn more effectively.
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Change your environment
Studying in the same place you relax or sleep can make it hard to switch off.
Try using a different spot, like the living room, kitchen table, or school library, so that when you’re done revising, you really feel like you’re resting.
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Mix up your revision style
Use different methods. Flashcards, mind-maps, diagrams, teaching someone else, or reading aloud, can make revision more interesting and less draining.
3. Building a balanced revision routine
A balanced routine helps you progress and keep feeling good while doing it. Here’s a simple way to aim for balance:
| ✅ What to do | 💬 Why it works / What to avoid |
|---|---|
| Alternate revision with breaks and fun activities | Prevents burnout and helps your brain process information rather than overload it |
| Stick to short, focused sessions (not all-day) | Quality matters more than hours; long marathons often do more harm than good |
| Move around, get fresh air, exercise, or just change scenery | Helps reduce stress, clears your head, and gives you fresh energy |
| Get enough sleep, eat well, and keep hydrated | Physical health impacts mental focus and stress levels |
| Be kind to yourself and don’t compare with others or expect perfection | Everyone learns differently; comparing time spent or scores can add unnecessary pressure |
4. What to do if exams or revision start to feel overwhelming
If it starts to feel too much, remember: you’re not alone, and there are things you can do now.
- Write down what’s worrying you. Sometimes seeing things on paper helps you understand what you can control and what you can’t.
- Talk to someone. You don’t have to go through this alone. Sharing how you feel can help you realise that many others feel the same. Sometimes just saying your worries out loud takes some of the weight off.
- Take a real break. Do something you enjoy that’s not revision.
- Remind yourself that exams don’t define your worth. Grades are only one part of your story.
5. Why this matters and how Atom can help
Using a balanced, kind-to-yourself approach isn’t just about feeling better now; it helps you learn better, stay motivated, and avoid burnout.
At Atom, we believe revision should never cost your wellbeing.
Our courses and tools are designed to help you practise regularly, efficiently, and at your own pace so you don’t end up overwhelmed or stuck in marathon-study mode.
If you ever feel stuck or stressed, remember this: you’re doing the best you can. Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing isn’t extra; it’s part of doing well at exams.