It’s been the most unusual and stressful year for students everywhere. Without the possibility of attending campus, education has moved online and for the majority, via zoom lessons. No matter how good the delivery, it’s not the same as being there in person. Students have had to adapt quickly and manage their own studies to a large extent. Motivation has obviously suffered, as has education and disturbingly, mental health. As we begin to transition out of lockdown, it's timely to remember that these issues won’t just go away. They need to be tackled head on as a nation and young people must be given the necessary help and support to overcome these setbacks.

Uni Stress

Academic learning is only half of the issue. We’re not all fans of the infamous Zoom and these can often be anxiety-inducing, a bit like the telephone call was in days gone by. 

Then there’s the lack of socialisation. When you think about going to Uni, Freshers Week, Mayday balls and cheap beer at the student union all spring to mind. They’re a fundamental part of student life and integral to having the most memorable experience. Yet over the past year, we’ve heard of students being confined to their halls of residence, sometimes even locked in or sent home to continue their learning. The isolation felt by young people in this situation has undoubtedly affected them in ways that we’re only just beginning to understand.

Students are also one of the groups hit hardest when it comes to finances. Landlords still require payment and courses need to be financed. That’s all despite the fact that students haven’t been able to get the full benefit from these costly expenses. There’s also near to no possibility of a Saturday job at the moment to bump up finances either. 

Exam Anxiety

To cap it all, we’re now entering exam season. In the next few months, students all over the country will be going online to complete end of year exams. It's stressful at the best of times, even more so this year. 

Exam stress can be managed in the same way as you’d handle other forms of stress. Breaking tasks down into small steps so that they feel more achievable and less overwhelming is an obvious one. Taking regular breaks, deep breathing, getting outside for a walk and a change of scenery, are all important ways to support our mental health.

Creating relaxation rituals and actively doing activities that help you de-stress can massively help. Exercise, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, knitting, pottery, painting, a relaxing evening bath, these are just some of the stress-relieving activities that students can do. 

Natural Ways to Relieve Stress

Scentered’s 100% natural, essential-oil based Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Balms contain up to 25 essential oils. These portable therapy balms are perfect for exam-stress as they have an immediate effect on your mood. If you’re feeling anxious, try our Scentered DE STRESS Balm for instant calm. 

It’s so simple to use. Apply to your wrists, neck and temples, then inhale deeply three times. It’s also brilliant for unwinding and relaxing after a busy day of cramming exam revision. The powerful Chamomile, Neroli and Mandarin blend, promotes calmness, soothes tension and supports feelings of well-being. 

It’s not uncommon in the lead-up to an exam for sleep to suffer too. Apply our Scentered SLEEP WELL Balm before bedtime to help you through the stressful exam period. Key therapeutic essential oils, Lavender, Chamomile, Palmarosa and Ho Wood, are balanced with Bois de Rose and Geranium. Patchouli, Clove and Ylang Ylang add a modern oriental twist to this balm’s scent.

It’s an extremely effective combination that quietens the mind and promotes a better, deeper quality of sleep. An added benefit is that you wake up feeling fully rested. Be on your game for exam revision or an exam with this dynamic blend of oils. 

If you’re a candle lover, you’ve got permission to do a happy dance because our signature De Stress and Sleep Well formulations also come in candle form. Light our ultra-soothing DE STRESS Home Therapy Candle whenever you’re feeling anxious and feel the stress melt away. These candles are also lovely to burn whilst having a warm, relaxing soak in the bath.

Our SLEEP WELL Home Therapy Candle makes the perfect evening candle to settle your mind and prepare you for a restful night of sleep as you drift towards bedtime.

Support for Students

If exam stress is getting too much, or you’re feeling completely overwhelmed, that’s entirely understandable. Make sure that you speak to someone about the issue so that you’ve got the right support in place. The NHS and Mind websites offer very useful information for students.   

We would love to hear about your mental wellness journey. You can also keep in touch via our Instagram @iamscentered or sign up to our newsletter for updates, news and offers.