Introduction

The exam period can be a real stress, and sometimes no matter how hard you try to keep your cool – things get on top of you. Say no to stress with these tips! Here are the tips to handle exam stress.

Every student who aims to become a high-achiever will experience exam stress. It’s an unavoidable part of student life that can be tough to crack. Remember, stress exists for a reason and you can choose to let it be your downfall or use it to drive you to improve your work.

To combat exam stress, firstly you need to understand the reasons behind this heightened anxiety. Then you can establish methods to reduce the pressures you feel. Researchers have uncovered some common explanations for this:

• Low motivation levels
• Lack of preparation and planning
• High expectations from others
• Competition from peers

The difference between a student who allows stress to overwhelm them and someone who uses it to push them harder is what they do when they are facing that brick wall mid-study. Admirable students will pause, reflect and choose a path that will help them overcome the impasse, not just wait for the wave to engulf them.

Tips to Handle Exam Stress

Look After the Health

Firstly, look after your health. It’s too easy to cram so much information into your brain and also try to get on with the rest of your life. You’ll end up burning the candle at both ends, so to speak, and this can seriously damage your health.

Diagrams, Graphs, Figures and Illustrations

While taking notes, use as many diagrams, graphs, figures and illustrations as possible. This helps to make several revisions at the last moment!

Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals, whether you have several weeks, days or hours before your exam, helps you to put everything into perspective. Acceptance of your situation and working within the realms of what you have maximizes your productivity without the risk of burning yourself out.

Get support from friends and family

If you can, discuss with your parents what they are expecting you to achieve. Parents with steep or unrealistic expectations will just add unnecessary pressure. It’s helpful to let them know what you think you have the capacity to achieve, and to insist that the best way to get there is to have support from your parents, not pressure.

Reward your achievements, no matter how small

If you are feeling stressed about an exam, be sure to reward yourself for your study time. This will motivate you to continue studying and may even reduce stress.