Exams! The mere mention of the word can drive some students into panic mode.
Exam phobia starts the day the timetable comes out till the day the exam ends. You feel most excited and ecstatic after writing the exams.
Exam phobia can be caused by many factors such as fear, lack of preparation, anxiety, self-doubt, etc. In this article, we will discuss how to deal with exam phobia but before that, what is exam phobia?
What is Exam Phobia?
Exam phobia is simply the fear of an exam. This is a fear students from all age groups have. It goes all the way from kindergarten to PhD level. This excessive fear in students can worsen to an increased level of anxiety if not guarded properly. It is important to cope with exam fears and know its causes.
Causes of Exam Phobia include:
There are many causes of exam fears but the most common ones are:
• Fear of failure
• Fear of letting your parents or guardians down
• Fear of a certain subject
• Lack of concentration while studying or not having a retentive memory after studying.
• Self-doubt
• Comparing yourself with other students.
These are some of the causes of exam phobia. Now we know the causes of exam phobia, let’s dive into the ways on how to deal with it.
How To Deal With Exam Phobia
1. Prepare Your Timetable
Every student has a unique way of studying – a time to understand and focus on their studies better. Create a timetable to suit your academic needs and preferences. Take into consideration what time you study best and how long you can study without getting distracted. Focus on what time works for you, not others, and stick to it. It helps if you allocate each subject a time. This way, you cover more grounds and prepare better for your exams.
2. Early Revisions
Start on time to revise your work. Most students leave it till the last minute, thus having exam phobia. Early revisions should start at least 5 days before the exam. That way, you will have ample time to study and understand each subject topic before the due date.
3. Take Notes
The most important technique when it comes to studying is taking notes. This could be jotting down names, dates, incidents, places, equations, formulas, etc, from a chapter. This can help you while making your final revision and also help you remember if you come across any questions involving that.
4. Make a Study Plan
A study plan helps you focus on subjects that you aren’t good at. Schedule your study plan based on courses you aren’t good at and the ones you are thorough with. Use flashcards, flow charts, graphs, and pictures. This will help you save time and focus more. This can help you pay attention to details and be used for your last-minute revisions.
5. Give Each Subject Proper Attention
The best way to cure exam phobia of any subject is to give proper attention to each subject and study it one at a time. If there is a course or subject that you are not good at, the best way out is to study it. This can help reduce your fear of the course. And when you don’t understand, you can meet a friend who understands more than you do, a colleague, or even the course lecturer to help you understand better. Do not shy away from seeking help. A problem shared is a problem solved. Avoiding subjects that seem tough will only lead to fear of it and poor performance as well.
Summary of All
Exam phobia is not new and usually occurs due to a lack of preparation and low confidence. This can cause panic or anxiety attacks. Whenever you feel the anxiety creeping in, try to meditate for 10 to 15 minutes. This will help you calm your nerves.
Engage in extracurricular activities or your hobbies in your free time. These activities are good for the mind, body, and soul. It increases focus when one studies. There is a saying that, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.
Start your revisions early if you have doubts about any course. Revising your work early on helps you prepare enough and avoid tension when you get your question paper.
Exercise, eat healthy, drink water, and sleep for at least 8 hours daily to keep your mind sharp. Apply the above tips and always seek help when you need it.
Good luck in your exams!
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