Exam stress meltdown

So it’s that time of year again where stress levels rise and everyone feels like the end is neigh- EXAM PERIOD! I know myself that my first exam is a matter of days away and I’m beginning to get seriously anxious. There is just so many things to think about- getting to the exam hall, remembering a pen, how do you write an essay again??? How do I structure the perfect answer? Remembering all the relevant info… the list is endless and you end up feeling like your drowning in notes and stress. So I have devised a list of strategies that help me to relax during exam time for anyone who is feeling that pre-exam anxiety.

Just breathe- Before revising, during revision, after revision, and

throughout your exam just remember you have to breathe. I know it can

get hard sometimes to take a step back from your revision, or from writing your exam, but sometimes you just have to stop what you’re doing, take a breath, and think about what you are doing. Getting oxygen to your brain is essential when doing any form of work as it keeps your mind clear and you are more likely to succeed. If you have writers block or feel like you’re forgetting the information you just read through just close your eyes, take a breath, and think, because I guarantee that it will all come back to you soon.

Make cue cards- If you are a visual learner like me cue cards could really

help with your revision. I like to create short cue cards which have small parts of information on them, written in various colours, with main words written in black to make them bold. By putting only small sections of information on each card it makes it look like you have less information to learn, therefore immediately calming your overthinking brain that begins stressing as soon as you see a huge page full of information. Additionally using various colours helps me to visualise how the information looks on the page when I’m in an exam, and helps me to remember information faster and easier, with key words sticking in my mind because they stand out in black ink. This technique is especially helpful for visual learners who react well to coloured writing and minds that shut down when faced with page upon page of text.

Sleep- I know that when you have a big exam the next day you are usually up all night revising and stressing about remembering all the information you’ve crammed into your brain. It’s not easy to just lie down, close your eyes, and fall asleep, but it’s something that has to be done. If you can go to sleep at a reasonable time and get your eight hours of nap time then you will really reap the benefits. You will wake up less tired and with a clearer mind than if you were to be cramming revision in all night, therefore you’re more likely to remember all your notes. Sleep is important so stop depriving yourself.

Mindfulness- I’ve spoken before about the mindfulness app I use

‘Headspace’ and its benefits with helping anxiety, but it can help with your exam stress as well. Whether you need help to fall asleep or to clear your mind before you start revision or the actual exam headspace will really help you out. All you have to do is take a 10 minute session where you do gentle breathing exercises that will help you empty your mind of any negative opinions on your approaching exam, giving you a positive outlook on what’s to come. It’s simple to do and there is no crossing of legs or yoga shit needed, just sitting straight in a chair, eyes closed, and focused breathing, making it easy to do anywhere and anytime you need it. The app is free to download and something I definitely recommend if you struggle with exam stress and anxiety.

Revise- Okay so this is the word we all dread to hear but it is essential. There is no use worrying over an exam if you have properly revised because you’re already half way there. I am a great believer in you get out what you give in, so if you haven’t revised at all, or have made a pathetic excuse at revising, then don’t expect to get good results. Unfortunately exams can’t be done well without putting in some hard graft, and I know that sometimes you just have a bad day or you aren’t well, but if you revise and put in the groundwork then even if you are having a bad day you will do better than if you hadn’t revised at all. Trust me, revision is the key.

So there’s some tips for you on how to cope with exams. Just remember that exams aren’t everything. Even if you do horribly on them, or don’t get the results that you expected/wanted, there are always other options. All I have left to say is keep calm, and good luck!!!

#revise #2016 #exams #meltdown #relax #calm #breathe #goodluck