As much as this can be a stressful time for everyone (mums included) we can help them get through with a few simple tips.
Sleep -as much as it seems impossible to get enough with all the study that needs to be done, it is important for them to get a few good quality hours. A meditation app is great if they get overly stressed. A nice calming Chamomile or sleep tea may be in order to help get restful sleep. A 30 min afternoon nap is always a good idea as well.
Fresh air and exercise - as much as it takes time out of day, so maintaining sports training or getting some exercise can help to reinvigorate the body and mind. If they have notes downloaded they can listen to them whilst going for a walk or run. Some way to decrease the pent up stress such as a boxing bag or totem tennis is a great way to let off steam.
Quality brain food - make sure they keep up their brain power with good nutritious foods.
Teenagers love to snack so find them good quality nibble food not sugar laden lollies and salty processed snacks. - nuts and seeds maybe add a few sneaky dark choc chips or chocolate coated nuts or berries.
- bowl of blueberries, snow peas and strawberries - crackers with dip and vegetable sticks - nut flour based fruit muffins - protein smoothies with blueberries, bananas, almond milk and protein powder
Making sure they are eating high quality protein such as meat and eggs, good carbohydrates such as sweet potato and whole grains along with healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil and avocado. This will help them to have good energy all day, and night, and prevent too much brain fatigue and blood sugar swings.
Avoid too much high sugar snacks (chocolate and lollies) and caffeinated drinks (coffee, energy drinks & powders) which only lead to a sugar high. This leads to them crashing down and need another fix.
High sugar and caffeine will also disturb sleep quality and increase anxiety.
Supplements that can be given are those that contain Green tea, Bacopa, Gingko and Ginseng. These herbs may help with concentration and memory. B vitamins will help with energy support as well as stress support. Magnesium, Passionflower and Magnolia can help calm the mind and body down to help decrease stress, anxiety and improve sleep. For those kids that are overly anxious flower essences such as Bach flower Rescue Remedy or Australian Bush Flower Emergency essence can help with exam stress.
Essential Oils - I like to diffuse Basil, Rosemary and Bergamot in the study room to help with concentration and then spray the bed linen and pillow with Lavender to help with sleep. A tissue with oil dropped on it can be used in placed in the pencil case or up a sleeve to sniff during the exam.
I also encourage lots of hugs. These teenagers often do not want to talk too much (a lot of grunts and grumbling) so just drop food and a big glass of water on the desk along with a little cuddle, and a kiss on the head. You may be lucky and get a grunt for your trouble and care.
In health and happiness
Kirsty
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