Over 135,000 students have completed their first state exam this afternoon.

For most, it was a first, as many of this year's Leaving Cert never sat a state exam before this morning.

It's a time of stress for those sitting the exams and their families, and many will feel a heightened level of worry and anxiety over the next number of weeks.

Tadhg Crowley is the President of the Institute of Guidance Councillors.

He has been speaking to Midwest Radio's Alannah Nolan, and says its important for students to keep a routine going through the exams so they are well rested and able to give the exams their best....