Overcome exam fear with proper sleep, exercise, timely revision, healthy eating and relaxation techniques. Stay calm, manage stress and remember that exam results do not define your worth
Continuing from part 1 of the article; let us get some more pointers to face exams with ease and overpower exam fear.
Friends; ALWAYS NOTE that it is just an exam. The result is not a reflection of who you are as a person. If you invest too much of your self-worth in studying and exams it can create extra stress and lots of anxiety. And anxiety never helps. As late renowned English Preacher Charles H. Spurgeon had rightly said: “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.”
(5) Additional Tips to handle Exams Pressure include:
- Get a good night’s sleep beforehand:
It’s important that you feel rested on the day of an exam. Even 5 -6 hours of good sleep can be sufficient. As ancient Greek Poet Homer had correctly said: “There is a time for many words; and there is also a time for sleep.”
- Good Exercise:
Before an exam, it is a very good idea to go for a brisk walk or a jog around the building to clear out your head and body. Also definitely do meditate as regular meditation can help students overcome their fear of exams and boost their overall concentration. It can also help students develop their creativity, which can help them perform better. Also try to pray and do some breathing exercises to clear out the nervous energy that can build up. It is also a good idea to pick a seat that is free of distractions and bring earplugs to wear.
- Don’t talk about the exam before the exam:
Don’t talk about the exam with your friends immediately before going into the exam if you know that it will just make you more anxious.
- Stop studying about an hour before the exam:
It’s too late now to try and learn what you haven’t already covered. So use that last hour to try to relax and compose yourself before going into the exam. Make efforts to visualize yourself calmly sitting in the exam, jotting down notes and answering questions.
- Do your Revision thoroughly and in time:
While revising a particular subject, practice writing. This would be an actual preparation of the examination itself. Plan your revision and complete it in allocated time. This will give you a sense of achievement and build your confidence. Set realistic achievable targets of what you can achieve in the time available.
Avoiding sugary foods is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for the exams. Instead, try to eat a light meal instead, such as a salad with salmon or chicken. It is important to eat a healthy nutritious breakfast because it sets your blood sugar level for the entire day. You can also try a high-protein snack like peanut butter or an egg. Do have proper protein, carbohydrates like rice, vegetables, etc. Fruits too have a positive impact.
Also it is very essential to drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue and can cause you to faint. Drink water as soon as you feel thirsty, but don’t wait until you’re too thirsty. Also drinking warm and lukewarm water immensely helps.
Learn to relax yourself during the exam. If you’re feeling anxious or are not thinking clearly, just stop, close your eyes, and take several slow, deep breaths. Concentrate only on your breathing for 60-90 seconds or so and then return to the exam paper. Taking these 90 odd seconds to calm yourself and refocus is time well spent and the fear, stress and anxiety goes away and you do your exams well with 100 percent confidence.
