Exams are a stressful time for students, whether they are in high school or university. The pressure to perform well and achieve good grades can cause stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact your mental health and academic performance.
There are ways we can work to help better cope with exam stress and anxiety, to help you move towards a better mental space to perform at your best. Here are some tips to help you deal with exam stress and anxiety:
7 ways we can lower exam stress and anxiety
- Plan and Organise: One of the biggest causes of exam stress is poor planning and organization. Make a study plan and stick to it. Break down your study time into manageable chunks, and schedule regular breaks. This will help you avoid cramming and reduce stress levels.
- Practice Self-Care: It’s essential to take care of yourself during exam season. Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. This will help you stay physically and mentally healthy, and reduce stress levels.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: There are many relaxation techniques you can practice to reduce stress and anxiety. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are all excellent techniques that can help you relax and calm your mind.
- Get Support: It’s important to reach out to your friends, family, or a professional if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Talking about your feelings can help reduce stress levels, and a support system can help you feel more confident and prepared. I run a practice that can look at holistic approaches to causes of stress and anxiety and approaches that can be made with skills training to help cope with them. Reach out via the contacts if you are interested to discuss further, if under 18 please organise for an adult to contact you on your behalf (Contact the Bohangar)
- Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: It’s essential to focus on the process of learning, not just the outcome of the exam. This means taking time to understand the material, asking questions, and engaging with the content. This can help reduce stress and improve performance.
- Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others during exam season. Remember that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and you should focus on your own progress and improvement.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate your small wins along the way, such as completing a challenging assignment or mastering a difficult concept. This can help boost your confidence and motivation, and reduce stress levels.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, exams are a stressful time for students, but there are ways to beat exam stress and anxiety. By planning and organizing, practicing self-care and relaxation techniques, getting support, focusing on the process, not just the outcome, not comparing yourself to others, and celebrating small wins, you can reduce stress levels, improve performance, and ensure that you are in a good mental space to achieve success.
