2. DEALING WITH STRESS & PRESSURE Most people who have ever taken the leaving certificate or are currently studying towards it would agree that it can be a stressful experience. Students can often feel a degree of pressure to perform well in the exam, and there is a huge amount of work and study to complete in such a short period of time. So it’s important that you take care of yourself during this period.

3. MINDFULNESS Mindfulness meditation is a simple and effective way to help remain calm and relaxed during exams. Mindfulness is very simple – you don’t need to have any previous experience to engage in it and benefit from it. You just need to be willing to take some time each day, whether it be just 3 minutes, or 10 minutes, or 20 minutes, to tune back into your body, your thoughts and feelings and to give yourself some time and space through meditation. Meditation sometimes lasts for just 2 or 3 minutes but can be very effective even in such a short space of time. Check out the youtube clip that goes with this topic for a 3 minute "Breathing Space" meditation."Breathing Space" You can also access mindfulness podcasts from the DCU website by following the ‘DCU Mindfulness’ link: http://www.dcu.ie/students/counselling/mindfulness-podcasts.shtmlhttp://www.dcu.ie/students/counselling/mindfulness-podcasts.shtml

4. FURTHER SUPPORT If you feel you would like some further support with staying healthy and well during your leaving certificate you can talk to your Guidance Counsellor at school. You can also talk to your GP at any time for advice on any mental health issues you may be experiencing.