Ummm, girls can bat off before an exam... I just don't knwo why anyone, male or female would want to...
But anyway, back to the question. I am the queen of stress, and I have recently become the queen on managing it.
First of all, it depends on the source of stress. Sometimes it's a good idea to identify in your head why you're stressed. It sounds silly but it helps. Just think "why am I feeling like this?" and go from there.
Also, if your general level of stress is low, when you "get stressed" it tends to be at a lower level. That means that you need to make sure that you stay as relaxed as possible during study etc. You can do this by:
- deep breathing exercises
- go lie down for 5 minutes while just focusing on your breath. Count to five (in your head) slowly, in time with your breath, like this "in-one, out-one, in-two, out-two, in-three, out-three, in-four, out-four, in-five, out-five". When you get to five, start again at one.
- exercise! When things get to much, go run all-out until you get tired. Then bring it down to a jog, then brisk walk. By the time you're done you'll feel a lot better
- make sure you get at least 7.5-8 hours sleep. Fatigue can seriously bring on stress. If you have trouble going to sleep early, take the herbal supplement Melatonin about half an hour before bed for a few days to get yourself in the habit
- cut down on caffeine, drink lots of water
- if you have trouble getting to sleep from stress, read something brainless, stupid and funny before sleeping, to get your mind off it.
- baths can be helpful
- lean on your friends- metaphorically, that is.
I hope this helps