While celebrations no doubt continued long into the weekend, those same students will now be getting stuck into final preparations 

The Higher School Certificate gets underway next month, so last-minute study and knuckling down with the books will no doubt be high on their agenda.

However, while it’s certainly important to do that and study hard, students should also not be placing too much pressure on themselves. 

The important thing has been to consistently work hard over the course of the last 12 months, or perhaps longer for some, and to give it their best shot come exam time. 

Reflecting back on my own HSC, it’s definitely hard not to stress.

Worry and anxiety do seem to come hand-in-hand with exams. 

It’s important to set out a priority list for study and stick to it. 

Steer clear of procrastination. 

Turn off mobile devices and stay away from social media. 

All of this only aids to those rising stress levels. 

Treat a day of study like you would a day of school. 

Create a schedule of studying for each exam like you would a classroom lesson. 

It’s also vital to take a break from it all. 

Get some fresh air, go for a walk or take your study session on the road to a friend’s house.

The HSC is no doubt an important time in the lives of year 12 students but it’s also just temporary. 

Students need to remember there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

All of that worry and stress will soon dissipate. 

Those that have worked hard in the lead up to their exams will get the results. 

However, if they don’t, it’s also not the end of the world. 

It might be horrible at the time to get a mark one isn’t pleased with, but it’s also something a student shouldn’t dwell on. 

If that is the case, pick yourself up and work out a plan of attack for what is to come. 

Plenty of “famous” people, as well as many others have all failed at some point in their lives. 

Failure may not sound like the greatest thing, but sometimes it can be. 

It’s an experience to learn and grow from.