Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s that time of the year again! Yes, it’s exam season, the annual event run by the game show that is life, the obstacle course that is dreaded by students across the globe. Like every year, the 2021 season will consist of multiple different activities, ranging from revision sessions to actual examinations, and it’s up to the contestants to battle through it all and secure the final prize: satisfying scores (and a relaxing summer vacation to boot)! Naturally, though, completing this event is no easy task, as many of the show’s contestants will likely have to suffer from the hurdles of anxiety and exam stress. That’s why this blog article is designed to act like a little cheat sheet, showcasing the keys to getting through this bout! The main tips — or game show hints, per se — include:
Although exam season may feel like a breeze for some people, I think it’s safe to say that, in the majority of cases, it fills the air with a sense of tension and anxiety. This is a major obstacle for students across the globe, as it will likely be difficult for them to stay focused on the tasks at hand if they’re busy panicking. It is, therefore, important for them to combat this issue by taking deep breaths during moments of crisis, such as during the hour before their exam, and practice other relaxation techniques. Let’s learn more about this!
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Square breathing is one activity that can be used to lower stress levels, and it involves engaging in a repeated pattern of inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, exhaling for four seconds, and holding your breath for four seconds.
Yoga is another great way to relax your body and mind, especially after you’ve spent hours hunched in the same studying position, and meditation routines can help you calm your nerves. By practicing these activities, you’ll be able to quell the anxiety within you, destroy unhelpful thoughts, and think with a clearer mind!
Here are some effective yoga and meditation routines if you’re interested.
Oftentimes, students will feel the need to pull all-nighters before their exams, and while that does allow them to spend more studying, it ultimately harms their health and leads to symptoms of anxiety. Similarly, maintaining a poor diet and leading a sedentary lifestyle before your exam can also make you feel more lethargic, thus causing you to lose focus during critical points.
In order to maximize your potential, you should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night, especially during the week of your exam. You should also ensure that you’re eating all of your meals, and that the food you’re consuming is nutritious and full of slow-release carbs (e.g. spaghetti). Avoid eating junk food or drinking caffeine, as these can make your body feel sluggish after a while, and make sure to stay hydrated. Above all, though, you should try your best to get at least half an hour of exercise every day, whether it be by swimming, running, or simply going out for a walk. Exercise can leave you feeling refreshed, calm, and energetic!
As examination dates loom closer, students will often feel an increasing amount of negativity riled up in their blood. Extreme thoughts such as, “If I get more than two questions wrong, I’m going to fail,” or, “This is all just too much to take in at once,” begin to surface, and the victims of this hopelessness are left feeling more anxious than ever. What’s worse is that when they keep repeating these same, pessimistic thoughts over and over again, they will actually begin to believe that they can’t do it, and their academic capabilities will be hindered.
Rather than staying downcast, you should take the time to establish a positive mindset! Given that you’ve studied, you’ll likely have nothing to worry about, and you should simply focus on trying your best. If it helps, you could also write out some short, encouraging messages on sticky notes and paste them around your workplace, just so that you’ll have a little boost of optimism every time you’re reminded of your exams. A little goes a long way!
If you ever feel as though your stress is devouring you, please reach out to someone, whether it be a teacher, friend, or family member. Keeping your anxiety bottled up within you will likely do more harm than good, especially if it ends up impacting your mental health, and it may even hinder your ability to write your exams. Additionally, you should also know that feeling stressed is not something that you should be ashamed of! Everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time, and everyone handles pressure differently. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone for help! It could really help you collect your thoughts, and it will, more often than not, feel liberating to let loose and put things into perspective.
The pressure that accompanies exam seasons may be draining, and you may feel as though the weight of the world is resting upon your shoulders; however, just know that you’re not alone in this. There are multiple ways to cope with exam stress, and if you use your time effectively and treat your body with care, you’ll be able to conquer this game show and emerge victorious. So go, mighty contestant — nab that grand prize!
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