It's common to feel nervous before an exam. In fact, a little stress is indeed good. It can be the motivational push to get your adrenaline pumping to get things done. But too much stress is never a good sign. If you find yourself struggling to calm yourself when exams are around the corner, worry not! You're not alone. A large number of students struggle with stress, especially during exam season. An estimated 20% to 50% of university students struggle with exam anxiety. Here are seven tried-and-tested strategies to help you sail through the exam season effortlessly.
#1: Take Several Deep Breaths
The simplest and most effective way to calm your nerves is to take a deep breath. Set aside a few minutes every day to practice mindful breathing techniques. You can even try guided meditations available online or using free apps on your smartphone. Breathing and meditation help you slow down and get rid of unhelpful thought patterns.#2: Eat, Sleep & Exercise
Pulling all-nighters bingeing on calorie-laded junk foods and snacks with no exercise can further aggravate your anxiety symptoms. For your body and mind to perform their best, you need to ensure that:- You get 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night
- Eat complex carbs, good proteins and plenty of veggies and fruits
- Exercise at least for 30 minutes every day
- Cut down on your caffeine intake and drink more water
#3: Set Realistic Goals
It's next to impossible to complete studying a semester’s worth of notes on the eve of the exam. Instead of burdening yourself with unrealistic goals, accept your situation and focus on what’s possible. This helps you increase your productivity without burning out.#4: Don’t Do It Alone
Several studies reveal that studying with peers is an excellent way to prepare for exams. If you don't have a study group, you can hire tutors online to help you with exam preparation. Before you spend your dollars on unknown online tutors, make sure to read online class expert reviews. These reviews can help you identify the best tutors who can ease your exam anxieties and guide you to success in your tests.#5: Go For A Short Walk
If you feel a panic attack coming, close your books and get outside. Walking gives you the time to think clearly about your head and has a calming effect on your nerves. Taking a short walk out for 10 to 20 minutes a day is not only a great way to unwind but also makes you feel energized to continue your study session.