How to Overcome Exam Fear, Stress & Anxiety in Students?
Exam fear and test anxiety have always been the most common problem among students. Reports indicate that test anxiety incidents have risen in recent years because of the increased frequency of tests and exams. While examinations and testing will remain an integral part of every education system, the need of the hour is to evaluate the pressure and stress that has been made around it. If exams become the focal point of learning, students will become less likely to learn because they want to. Rote-learning may help them ace one exam but not retain knowledge for life. It is of critical significance that we impart the concept of ‘lifelong learning’ among students.
- Study Habits
You should develop proper study habits. Good study habits and preparation are the keys to removing exam fear. Actively listen while in class and avoid last-minute “cramming” for exams. You should keep your mind and body healthy by getting enough rest, eating well, and working out. Healthier people who are well-rested often improve on tests, and sacrificing the basics even in the short term can have negative consequences on performance.
- Decide when to study
If you are a morning person and are able to concentrate better in the morning as compared to the night, then allocate hard subjects in the morning. If you are a person who likes to study after evening hours, then allocate the study time after that and keep simpler subjects in the morning.
- Organizing your notes
Once you have studied the past question papers, you will have a fair idea of the types of questions asked. It will help you in organizing the study materials and notes that you have amassed. You could also highlight the significant pointers using different colors arranged by their essentialness or significance. This technique enables you to treat your notes as flashcards delivering the pointers, depending on which you can frame the appropriate marks’ answers.
- Avoid comparisons
Students are generally in the habit of comparing themselves with other people. They tend to enquire about their friend’s progress, level of preparation and count on their hours of study. This can be avoided as it can prompt stress and anxiety. Instead, you should focus on your preparation and use your time well.
- Have a balanced meal
Students often tend to skip a meal during exam time. It’s a grave mistake that they make. Skipping doesn’t solve your problem. In fact, skipping meals will deprive your mind of vital nutrients. Henceforth, it would be best if you take a proper intake of proteins and carbohydrates. Intake of essential nutrients helps you to concentrate well.
- Sleep well
Students often study without taking a rest. Sleeping during the afternoons are often recommended to offer rest to your eyes and brain. You would feel fresh after that break of sleeping. Try not to attempt to be nocturnal. It is advised to take a minimum of 6-7 hours of sleep during the night. You would then be able to cope up with the study the next day.
We hope that you’ve found these tips valuable. To sum up, in a nutshell, we can say, prepare well, go through last-minute study notes, eat healthily, take rest, and enter the exam in a positive frame of mind, and you should succeed. Best of luck!
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