About 26,000 students in regional NSW will sit their Higher School Certificate written exams, including 1335 from the capital region, between October 17 and November 11.
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At 9.50am on the first day, more than 60,000 students will sit an English test.
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Thirteen years of schooling will culminate with Design & Technology and Textiles & Design at 3.30pm on the last day.
Headspace has seven tips to help reduce stress: take time to plan; look after yourself; rest when needed; stay focused; ask for help; and be prepared.
On exam day, the advice is to stick with the usual routine.
Headspace service centre manager (Goulburn) Gail Davies has helped HSC students prepare since late July. The centre has also assisted 12-year-old students to transition to high school for 2020.
"A lot goes back to basics," Ms Davies said.
"We talk to them about sleeping and eating well. They can get caught up on their phone or computer and they need to get that good sleep pattern.
"If your body is not resting, you're not going to have the ability to deal with the physical and emotional stress.
Eating breakfast is an important start to the day: "Your brain requires fuel."
Keeping up activities is also important. "Do things they would normally do to make themselves happy."
She also reminded young people to stop or cut back drugs or alcohol.
"There are some young people using drugs and alcohol.
"They might be feeling a bit stressed and they are using to relieve that, but in the end, it will make things more complicated."
And finally, talk to someone, such as a school counsellor or a parent.
"I'm amazed by how many young people don't want their parents to know what's going on in their world.
"We would hope parents would be willing to talk or at least listen, that's the main thing, those listening skills."
Students who need help with study support can contact Headspace Goulburn on 4824 4944 or headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/goulburn.
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