It’s that time of year again when students are getting ready for final examinations. Board examinations, academic tests, and college exams are all scheduled for March and April. These tests might be a major cause of anxiety or stress for students as the academic year draws to a conclusion, which could have an adverse effect on their mental health.
Stress before exams is a common thing. Extreme levels of stress and worry, however, can have bad impacts. A lot of students struggle with test anxiety or exam stress. Anxiety and stress can influence the health and happiness of many secondary school and university students as well as their academic achievement.
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure”
Some students have always had test anxiety, especially when they had to show up for a written exam or for any board exam. There’s a lot of pressure on them to get into the college or university of their choice. While some stress might be good, too much exam stress can make some people do poorly on tests that are really important to them. However, here are some ways to tackle the stress:
1. Pick a Good Study Location
When it comes to studying, it’s important to choose an appropriate location, because what works for one individual might not work for another. The area where the student studies needs to promote attention, focus, and an environment that encourages learning.
2. Decide what to read
By establishing an orderly workstation and properly aligning exam preparation in advance, you may save stress and time lost. Exam preparation works best when it is systematic.
3. Get Rid of the Distractions
Unless you add up the time spent checking Facebook, Instagram, or any other distraction, you are ignorant of how frequently you do so. Concentration is the key.
4. Exercise, Relax, and Sleep
Set aside some time for relaxation, leisurely activities, and sleep. Exercise, participating in sports, or reading a book can all be effective ways to relieve stress.
5. Eating Healthier
To improve focus and general wellness, reduce your consumption of carbohydrates, sugar, and caffeine and seek to consume more proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables. It’s essential to have healthy eating habits while you study.
6. Give your mind some space
One of the best methods to unwind and view your tension from a fresh angle is through meditation. Another method to keep your attention while enhancing your physical and mental health and lowering exam stress is to practice meditation.
7. Consult a professional
Consult a doctor or schedule a counseling appointment if you notice that your health is being negatively impacted by the stress levels.
8. Understanding the causes
To manage exam stress, you must first understand the causes of this increased anxiousness. You can then develop strategies to lessen the pressures you experience. Several common causes include:
- Low amounts of motivation
- Lack of planning and preparedness
- High standards for others
- Competition between classmates
9. Consuming dark chocolate
Eating dark chocolate with a cocoa content of above 70% inhibits the release of the stress hormone cortisol and relaxes the body as a whole. Additionally, eating chocolate releases endorphins, which are a natural stress reliever.
10. Open up completely
It’s important to talk to someone when you simply need to. Speaking with a relative or friend might help you see the larger context and give you the confidence you need to handle the stress of the exam.
“Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven’t planted”
Everyone goes through an extremely stressful period leading up to examinations, therefore it’s very normal to have anxiety or worry. But keep in mind that there is always someone you can talk to, whether it be a friend, a family member, an adult you trust, or a helpline. You are not alone.
“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at”
Remembering that you are so much more than your academics is also important. So, be gentle to yourself no matter how your examinations turn out. All you can do is make an effort. You can do this.
