We know that the exam period is one of the most stressful times for your teen. But, one of the most effective ways for them to blow off steam is having a hobby or interest.
While fitting hobbies into their revision schedule may feel impossible, a half-hour break or one evening a week is all they need during this busy period. Plus, there’s plenty of research to show having interests outside of school can improve your teen’s motivation, sense of connectedness and wellbeing generally.
Here, we ask 9 MyTutor tutors how their hobbies helped them find balance during the exam period, plus they share their top advice for kickstarting a new interest.
1. Playing rugby
“Playing rugby meant that I was able to take time away from studying to meet friends, do something productive, and get some exercise.” – Elena, a MyTutor Maths and Economics tutor.
2. Writing stories
“Writing stories helped me flex creative muscles that felt sorely underused while I was revising for exams. Like with reading, I could escape from the real-world and into these stories – a much-needed distraction. It not only de-stressed me during exams, but energised me too.
“Now, I’m a professional author represented by a literary agent, sharing my creative knowledge with my students. So all those stories I wrote in the margins of my revision notes paid off!” – Florianne, a MyTutor English and French tutor.
3. Volunteering
“I volunteered with disabled children, and it was really rewarding not thinking about me, and focusing on the other children. It can be so hard if you get wrapped up in yourself, panicking over what you have to do, but I enjoyed thinking about others.” – Lucinda, a MyTutor Economics, Maths and English tutor.
4. Walking and hiking
“Hiking helped as it gave me time out in nature to ground myself in the real world, stopping a blizzard of anxiety around exams from blinding my vision. It also helped to get much-needed time away from a screen!” – Barney, a MyTutor Economics and Maths tutor.
5. Playing video games
“The endless laughs with friends when playing video games helped keep me in a positive mood during the lead up to the exam period.” – Stefanos, a MyTutor Maths, English and Science tutor.
6. Crafting
“Knitting and crocheting was a soothing hobby, which let me do something creative with my hands while taking a break. It was like having a project that was just for fun, not for school, and I think I needed that to keep myself motivated to work!” – Heather, a MyTutor English and Maths tutor.
7. Taking part in music and theatre groups
“Music and theatre are both really good creative outlets, and the communal nature of being in choirs, orchestras, and theatre productions was a really nice way to spend time outside of the classroom.
“I also found music and theatre a really good way to lose myself for a few hours, to then return to work in a fresher headspace.” – Francesca, a MyTutor English and Spanish tutor.
8. Playing football and running
“Football and running provided an excellent release from revision. I used to meet up with friends to go for a quick jog every evening and we always encouraged each other to go.” – Anthony, a MyTutor French, Spanish and English tutor.
9. Baking
“Baking with my mum calmed me down and gave me some revision snacks to eat too!” – Chloe, a MyTutor Maths and Biology tutor.
Tutor tips for kickstarting a new hobby
1. Join a group
“Try something that’s social so that you can meet new people. Getting to know them will keep your mind off of exams. It also helps if it’s active too! – Lydia, a MyTutor Maths tutor.
2. Schedule in time for hobbies
“I used to make a revision timetable for myself over the Easter holidays and literally schedule in a few free days to build lego, and leave Saturday mornings free for my climbing club” – Freya, a MyTutor Maths and Physics tutor.
3. Embrace self-teaching
“Self-teaching yourself different hobbies using YouTube or other websites can be just as rewarding.” – Elena, a MyTutor Maths and Economics tutor.
4. Make it a habit
“Whether it’s running or writing or playing a musical instrument, finding time to practice every day, even for a few minutes, can help make that hobby a habit – and the more you practice, the better you’ll get.” – Florianne, a MyTutor English and French tutor.
5. Don’t expect yourself to be good straight away
“There’s no expectation to be amazing at these hobbies, so don’t stop yourself from trying something if you think you won’t be good at it. Even if you’re bad at drawing, give it a go! If you can’t run or go to the gym, go for a long walk instead. It’s all about doing something different as opposed to doing well.” – Larissa, a MyTutor Chemistry and Maths tutor.
If your teen needs help with revision and finding balance, our tutors are study experts who understand the stresses and can help give advice for switching off too. Find the right tutor for them here.