Exam stress! We know how you feel: worried that you’ll miss something, forget something or you’ll hit a blank on the day.
A bit of stress around exam-time is completely normal, and can even improve your performance, but what happens if it starts getting out of control?
Too much ongoing stress can affect different areas of your life, setting you up for even more stress, such as:
- It can interfere with your sleep patterns, and being tired may leave you struggling to remember vital information.
- Stress may affect your appetite, which has a negative effect on your overall health.
Simple stress-busters
We spoke to Dr Russell Thomson and he commented that a balanced diet that includes quality carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats and veggies is essential for you, especially when you are studying. Also, some exercise helps to relieve tension and improve your sleep pattern.
Pressed for time? We’re not saying you have to spend hours at the gym – even 20 minutes of exercise will help you de-stress. Why not try:
- Going for a cycle
- A jog
- A swim
- Or how about the ‘couch potato’ workout? When the ad breaks disturb your favourite show do: 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups and 10 squats. After an hour show, you would have had a great, convenient workout!
Beating stress on the day
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? Don’t worry! We’ve put together a short exam stress-reducing ‘battle plan’ to help you beat stress and ace your exams. Here’s how:
Stay positive: Believe in yourself – if you’ve worked hard throughout the year, managed your time and prepared properly, there’s no need to worry – stressing won’t help you perform better in the exam.
Take deep breaths: You’ve probably been told this by your parents, but it works! Panic is often triggered by abnormally fast breathing that can also make you feel dizzy and confused. When you take deep breaths, your body takes this as a sign that you need to relax.
Go carefully: Don’t rush – read instructions carefully and take time to form your answers. If you focus, you’ll find that you probably know the answers to every question.
So, sticking to balanced meals, going for a run and getting regular sleep are all ways to manage your exam stress levels. Oh, and remember to study!