Are your exams forthcoming? Do you feel stressed because you feel you are not up to the task? Or because you’re not fully prepared?
Indeed, dealing with exam stress can be frustrating, difficult and tiring. When poorly managed, exam pressures can have adverse effects on the outcome of your exams.
As a matter of fact, admittedly and otherwise, everyone feels stressed at some point before or during examinations. Therefore, it is essential to know how to skirt these emotions so that you can excel in your exams.
Truth is, it is easier to be successful in your exams, when you feel less troubled, less anxious, calmer and relaxed.
What steps or guidelines can help us then, to combat pressures as exams approach?
How To Cope With Examination Stress
Start Studying On Time
One of the leading causes of exam pressures is late preparation. This occurs when you stash up loads and loads of textbooks and materials, hoping to study all in a little amount of time before exams. This is often exhausting, as it is impracticable, tedious and strenuous.
In addition to these, late study mounts untold pressure on you, rattles your mental balance, affects your emotional stability and tells on your physical appearance.
It is however, advisable to start preparations early, so as to have enough time to study, assimilate and retain what you have studied.
Do Not Neglect Your Health
It is important to eat well, get enough sleep and exercise well when preparing for exams. Constantly reading through the night, feeding poorly and not exercising can mount pressure and limit study progress.
The type of food you eat affects your physical and emotional well-being. So, lots and lots of veggies, fruits and water are required more than fatty or sugary foods.
Do not omit sleep in your study timetable, remember to wind down and get a good sleep to reboot and come back stronger.
Physical activities like running, jogging or even walking leave us energised and mentally replenished.
Believe In Yourself
There is nothing as damaging as self-doubt, pessimism and loss of confidence.
Rather than saying “oh, I’m going to fail”, “I’m not making any progress”, “I find this topic so hard”, and lots of negative comments. Why not try comments like “I got this”, “I’m doing my best”, “I will scale through”.
Rather than consider yourself a failure beforehand, believe in yourself and your abilities, then work towards being better.
Study With Peers
Study group helps you absorb faster and cover more topics. Just make sure the group is focused, determined and motivated.
Set up some questions and ask amongst yourself. Trust me, it will go a long way in getting you prepared for the exams.
Take Relaxation Seriously
Regular breaks are required when studying. These enable the brain to cool off and recoup its focus.
However, these breaks should not exceed your study time. In other words, do not take breaks longer than you study. Always strike a balance for better time management.
Be Comfortable While Studying
Some persons have different study routine which can be different from others. You should therefore find yours and stick adhesively to it.
Some people may require music to be able to concentrate better, whereas others require complete silence to be able to study. Just know what works for you and you will study better.
But in all, make sure your study space is organised, spacious and bright. A messy, cramped and dull space will limit your study speed and will affect your physical, mental and emotional health.
Test Yourself
It is imperative to test yourself before the main exam. You can ask yourself some questions and try to answer them, or you can get one of your friends to help you in the question and answer exercise.
This will help you ascertain the level you’ve gotten to in the exam preparation and to know the amount of effort needed to be better.
Revise
Always take out time to go through what you’ve already studied. This will boost your confidence, reduce unnecessary pressure and bring to forefront what you’ve studied before exams.
Answer The Questions You Know First
After your preparations and when you get to the exam hall, read the instructions very carefully.
After that, proceed to answer the questions you know and remember vividly first. Only after that can you tackle the rest.
Finally, crosscheck your answers before you turn in your exam paper
Ultimately, do not let the intensity and palaver of exams cause you to lose sight of your inner strength. Endeavour to try your best in preparing for your examinations and your success is guaranteed.
Good luck to you!
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