Getting Stressed Before An Exam? Don't Let It Hamper Your Performance

Some tips to overcome exam stress

Dealing with stress especially around exam time can be difficult. And with the number of students seeking help for college-related mental health issues, it's clear we're under more pressure than ever. We all need a certain amount of pressure to get our work done. It works as a motivation. Here are seven tips to help you get through the stressful time of exams.

Don't forget to breathe

Spending a few minutes each day practising mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises or yoga can calm  your body's stress responses and bring your attention back to the present moment. This, in turn, gives you time to think rationally about your fears, get rid  of unnecessary thought patterns, and allows you to cope with many trials and start reviewing more effectively.

Eat, Sleep and Exercise

Sleeping through the night, eating poorly, and exercising little during the day can make anxiety symptoms worse. To keep the body active at its best, a quality sleep of 6-7 hours is required. In addition, have sufficient slow-release carbohydrates, more water, and at least half an hour of exercise each day.

Set Realistic Goals

Whether you have  weeks, days, or hours before an exam, setting realistic goals will help you  put things in perspective. If you accept your situation and work with what you have, you maximise your productivity without the risk of burnout.

Don't go alone

In 2004, the journal Linguistics and Education published a research article that concluded that peer assessment is an effective learning technique because it makes it easier to take your notes. Additionally, the emotional benefits of social support tend to include increased self-confidence and greater autonomy.

Controlling Panic

Panic before, during or even after an exam is common among  students. If  at any point you feel this, take six deep breaths, rehydrate, then return to the problem and break it down into a few manageable pieces. Remember that there is usually a rational solution to every problem, even if you don't see it at first glance.

Believe in yourself

In the face of ever new challenges, we often forget to look back at how far we've come and how much we've already achieved.Since you've prepared well,  you shouldn't worry. So try to replace a negative thought with a positive one when you hear it.