Time to say Good-Bye to IB Stress

While it is undeniable that the IB opens many avenues for students and that all of your hard work will be rewarded, it can be tough to see the forest for the trees when under the stress of review as IB stress starts to hover on your head. So, how do you take care of yourself and know when to make sacrifices?

Strive for excellence:

The last weeks of IB revision before exams can be challenging– we remember how difficult it can be to stay focused while having IB stress. Consider how much better you'll feel going into each exam if you're as prepared and confident as possible. Keep an optimistic attitude!

Stay Practical:

Be realistic about where you are in each topic, how much time you have until each exam, and what you still need to learn to get where you want to go. Make a list of every topic or major area in each subject, and assess your ability to answer exam-style questions in each. Once you've started working through them, remember to update them so you can see how far you've progressed and forget about the IB stress!

Make study buddies:

Spend time with your classmates and assist one another in teaching. Not only will you be able to understand something you previously struggled with, but also wear off your IB stress and teaching others will also enable you to solidify your knowledge in your better topics by encouraging you to explain things in greater depth than you would to yourself. Revising, teaching, and learning in groups will help you all work through your regions of difficulty.

Taking care of one's self:

Remember to schedule time away from your notes – whether it's a daily jog around the park or once-a-week lunch with friends and a chat - it's critical to take some time away from your notes. You will find that you have much more stamina for revising if you sleep well, eat well, exercise, and make time for socializing. After all, three hours of focused, positive revision is always preferable to seven hours of half-study, half-Netflix!

Seek Help:

Make sure you ask for support when you need it, not only with course material but also if you're having trouble coping with the IB stress—it can be beneficial to receive some perspective from someone who has been through the stress and now looks back fondly on it. Remember, even if it doesn't feel like it right now, the IB will pass!