Exams are a crucial part of our education and the source of stress for many of us. No matter how hard we try to keep our cool, things get on top of us due to exam stress. There is an old familiar knot in our stomach that tells us exams are approaching.
For some students, exams can be a cakewalk and they could ace them with their eyes closed. But for others, exams can be a difficult task with sweaty palms and heart palpitations are just a part of the territory.
In order to avoid crippling anxiety from these pesky evaluations, it is important to manage this stress with a clear mind to eliminate the risk of burnout. So, here are some handy tips that can help you reduce stress and make sure you can get through the exam season.
1. Regular breaks and Fun Activities
It is important to take regular breaks while you’re studying for your exams as it can improve your focus, reduce stress and help you retain the information you learn. You don’t have to take long breaks just a 20-minute break during your revision day with do the magic.
You can also plan some fun activities like going out for dinner or a movie with your friends, anything that you like doing in your spare time that will take your mind off exams. This will help you feel more refreshed and relaxed so you can prepare for your exams more effectively.
2. Exercise and Eat Healthy Food
Doing exercises during the period of high exam stress feels like the last thing you want to do, but we promise you will feel better afterwards. The exercises will get your heart pumping and you will feel more relaxed and alert then you were before. Exercise is a proven stress-buster as it releases endorphins, which are basically happy hormones. So, take some time off studies and go out for a walk, run, or head to the gym.
Eating the right kind of food during stressful times is also absolutely crucial for mental health. Try including lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. You must also avoid too much sugar or heavily processed food as they will make you lethargic.
3. Get Some Sleep
It is said that a night of good sleep is the best ‘food’ for the brain. It will help your concentration levels remain high and you will feel energised throughout the day. You will also be able to absorb information at a quick rate and retain it for a long time.
Make sure you allow yourself enough time before going to sleep to unwind, turn off your devices, and let your body slowly get ready to sleep.
4. Speak to someone
It the exam stress is getting on your nerves and is affecting your day-to-day life, try and speak to someone about it. Talking to someone will help you acknowledge or understand if there is a problem and if you need to seek help immediately.
Your university or school will have a service where you can speak to counsellors about your concerns and get advice on how to manage them. If you are reluctant to speak to someone you don’t know you can, open up to a family member or friend about the pressure you feel.
5. Time Management
Time Management is quite important if you are preparing for any exam. You should not wait for the last minute to study as it will surely lead to exam stress. Try breaking your syllabus and study time into chunks over days, or weeks even.
Also, try to study at around the same time of day as you will be taking the test. This way you will get accustomed to how you feel when dealing with your course material on exam day. Effective time management will take off so much pressure and you will stop you making silly mistakes in panic.
These 5 tips will help you beat the exam stress and increase your productivity, help you absorb more information, and stop you from having a breakdown.
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