Every student will experience stress at some point on their educational journey, but it is how they deal with the stress that really matters. Stress is pretty unavoidable when it comes to pressurising situations that cause worry, however, there are ways to deal with exam stress and focus on remaining happy and positive.
Plan
This is drilled in to our heads from day one, but it is surprising to see just how many students don’t bother planning ahead for exams or even revise. Research has proven that gentle exercise before a revision session or exam will get the brain working and focusing on tasks for longer periods of time. When creating a study schedule, you need to be strict with yourself and actually stick to it. If you begin to go off on a tangent, then stress will keep on adding and the vicious cycle begins. Have in your mind at all times that you are sitting that exam no matter what – there will be plenty of time to relax after it’s over.
Sleep Well
We all know that a good’s night sleep is the cure to most problems. Well, surprise surprise, it’s the cure for stress. Getting an average of 8 hours sleep per night allows a student to stay feeling fresh and focused in the day and rested at night. There is a lot of talk over whether students should start school later, but as this still gets debated, we have to deal with current rules. Studies show that a normal sleep routine improves both mental and physical health improve dramatically, so it is more than important than ever to practise this around exam time.
Stay Passionate
When you are constantly going over the same topic or feel stress towards something, it can become very hard to find enjoyment out of it. Try your best to remain as positive and passionate about the subject as possible, as this will really make or break your exam success. Cognita know just how important it is to surround yourself with committed and enthusiastic learners. If you are passionate about something, then you will naturally work harder and spend more time focusing on it. Just because something involves an exam, it does not mean that it shouldn’t be enjoyable.
Have A Change Of Scene
Change up your revision location and you will notice the world of difference. You may not notice it, but you will get far too comfortable staying in the same room and may begin to find tasks mundane and repetitive. A new location will help you to feel both refreshed and motivated. Get outside as much as possible when you take breaks as fresh air will give you a clear mind free of stress.
Leave It In The Past
Unfortunately, exam stress may not end as soon as you walk out of the exam hall. The next thing to stress about is results day! However, this stress can be avoided as, quite frankly, the exam is over and nothing can be changed. There will always be alternative options if you don’t get your desired results, but if you put in the time and effort, the chances of you passing are very high.
The effort that you put into your exams will always be worth it in the long run, and you will soon look back on this short part of your life and be grateful for everything you did.