Does stress stop you from achieving your potential in exams? Have you ever wanted to find a way to study more efficiently and without worrying about being able to do your best on the day?

Well then you've come to the right place - it's Oxygen.ie's Exam Stress guide, in association with Rescue Remedy.

What is stress?

Stress is, simply put, the adverse reaction to an excess of pressure. The amount we can reasonably cope with varies from person to person. A prolonged exposure to this state of pressure results in physical, emotional, mental and behavioural symptoms.

Our primitive reactions are one of ‘flight or fight’, unfortunately a modern lifestyle doesn’t always allow us to react to our causes of stress, therefore we are often forced to internalise them.

Cycle of stress

It is possible to get caught in a vicious cycle of stress. Some people begin to worry about their health or behaviour and this can cause more pressure, spiralling into further illness. It is important to learn to control the stress to break free from the cycle.

Typical physical symptoms include difficulties falling asleep, tension headaches, digestive disorders, skin conditions such as dry, itchy and irritated skin, neck to shoulder and back pain, fatigue and exhaustion. Common emotional symptoms range from irritability, aggression, tearfulness, loss of concentration to lack of interest.

Quick and easy stress tips

There are many ways to help reduce your stress levels:

• Take micro relaxation breaks – just 5 deep breaths will momentarily switch off stress, so make it a regular habit throughout the day
   
• Laugh out loud – you may not feel like it but laughing releases endorphins; pleasure responses that combat the negative effects of stress
   
• Do something active – even if it is just running up the stairs, the energy boost will help release built up resentments
   
• Activate your pleasure senses – keep something with you that smells gorgeous, like lavender oil and sniff it when you feel stressed; it will reduce the impact of daily stresses

How can Rescue Remedy help you restore calm in stressful situations?

Rescue Remedy was formulated by Dr Edward Bach 80 years ago. The distinctive ‘little yellow bottle’ is relied upon by millions of people when things get too much.

It is a perfect natural solution for everyday emergencies and stressful situations, helping you regain your control, calm and focus.

Rescue Remedy now comes in a number of different formats to help restore calm in stressful moments. It is safe for all the family and is really easy to use.

Be responsible, if you are concerned about your stress levels always visit your GP for their advice.

 Click here to take the Rescue Remedy stress test and find out your rescue quotient!