Exam advice: Students should avoid spicy food and rest up

The importance of rest, diet, and parental support have been underlined as close to 120,000 students countdown to the start of Junior and Leaving Certificate exams next Wednesday.

The stresses associated with sitting the Leaving Certificate were this week highlighted by an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) study that showed girls are more likely to get stressed about the exams, and reduced sports activity and pressure from teachers can be added contributory factors to anxiety for sixth-year students.

Institute of Guidance Counsellors president Betty McLaughlin said that what matters from now until the exams begin is how students use their time effectively to do their best.