4th June 2019
Exam Stress
With the exams looming soon, it is important to manage the stress that surrounds the tense period of testing.
Below are some tips to help you manage the stressful examination season.
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Relax And Breathe — Take a few minutes each day to learn some breathing and relaxation techniques (apps such as Headspace and Calm can help with this), using such methods can reduce your stress levels considerably and help you focus on the task at hand, revision and preparation for the upcoming exams.
Meditation and breathing exercises can help to rid you of negative thought patterns and mental blocks that can sometimes interfere with revision and the taking of exams.
So take care of yourself and take a little time each day to pamper your mind and body, so that you can be successful in your exams.
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Ask For Help — If you are struggling with revision and feel like you can't cope, don't do it in silence on your own; ask for help. There is no shame in asking someone for a little help and advice; once you have sought help you will find that immediately the stress will begin to lessen.
trying to cope with all the stress of the examinations and revision is counter-productive; working it through with the help of someone else will be easier and a more effective technique.
If stress is overwhelming you seek advice from your teachers, student support, family or your GP.
Create a study-buddy system, ask around other students studying your subjects and see if they wish to revise and prepare for the exams together and shared the load.
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Be Realistic With Your Goals — Don't try to cram too much into a timetable that is unsuitable; as missing your unrealistic revision goals will only add to your overall stress levels.
Ask your teachers for advice on revision techniques and aim for a more manageable schedule. Realise your weak spots in the subject matter and concentrate on those areas, but not to the extent that other areas suffer.
You may have other time constraints such as health or family matters; you must not neglect one for the others; seek help with your time management and don't spread yourself too thinly.
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Look After Yourself — Make sure that you do not neglect your physical wellbeing whilst optimising your mind. It is important that you should eat well and exercise while studying for your exams, too long in a sedentary state in a stuffy room not only make your body uncomfortable but it can also cloud your mind and thinking; going for a nice run, a visit to the gym or going for a swim will not only loosen your joints and raise your endorphins but will help clear your mind too, enabling much more effective revision.
Eating properly is a must, get fresh fruit and vegetables to snack on when you're working on exam preparation, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated as you cannot think as clearly if you become dehydrated.
Do not neglect your sleep, it might be tempting to stay up all night revising but in reality, it is counter-productive to effective revision; you should have at least 8 hours of sleep a night during this crucial period.
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Don't Panic Keep Control — As the exams approach don't panic and run around like a headless chicken; step back and employ the techniques you should've been practising, take a deep breath and relax and think things through logically drink some fluids to hydrate yourself.
Don't tackle the problems head-on, break them down into manageable chunks and solve the problem piece by piece; approach the situation logically and think rather than react, all problems have a solution even if at first you cannot see it.
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Practice Self–Belief — When taking exams, remember the work and revision that went towards them, you must believe in yourself; you know you can excel in the subject, after all, you have put in the work, checked and revised it, so don't give in to self-doubt, relax and keep your mind clear.
The work, revision and exam preparation you have done should be kept in your mind, don't let the apprehension of the exam paper chase it from your mind, focus on the hard work you have done and stay calm read the questions carefully and respond appropriately.
There is no room for good luck as you know you can do this, so be positive and succeed.