5 ways to beat Exam Stress! By Amy Burrell
Exam stress can dramatically reduce exam performance. Now is the time to beat it and to get organised...
1. Be prepared... create a plan
My mother used to say "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" and it drove me NUTS!!!!! Of course I wasn't planning to fail, I wanted to get the best grades possible, what planet was she on? However looking back I can see what she meant, my disorganised idea of revision was not doing me any favours... Mum was right.
Over the last decade I have seen time and again how well revision plans work so be it an app on your mobile, a website (www.getrevising.co.uk/planner) or pen & paper, its worth the time now to succeed in your exams.Study plans can be rearranged or even ignored if necessary but if you can stick to one you will be more effective and a lot less stressed! Remember to relax and reward yourself when you stick to your study plan to encourage that good behaviour.
2. Take regular breaks
Sounds simple right, the best students take short regular breaks but many of us don't. Take regular short breaks and that time relieves stress and improves concentration. If the weather is nice why not go outside for lunch, a short walk or a bike ride?
3. Look after yourself: eat healthily and exercise
Eating and drinking healthily gives you more energy and increases brain power. Avoid sugar rushes and caffeine though as they are followed by a slump in energy.
Exercise releases serotonin, the happy hormone, which makes you feel good, so don't let your exercise routine go in the lead up to your exams. If like me you're not so keen on regular exercise maybe a nice walk or swim?
4. Get some sleep
Without regular sleep the human body and mind struggle to function, remember to get plenty of sleep; especially the night before
an exam.
5. Try to keep everything in perspective (I know, next to impossible)
You are not alone in your revision, your struggles or your fears, others are out there experiencing similar things talk to them and if you cant click here and talk to Childline.
Don't bury your head in the sand, it's not over till it's over!
Watching TV, talking to your best friend or playing computer games is not going to help, revision just might.
Finally... every year some students are bouncing with excitement and joy at their results, others are disappointed and others fail. If the worse does happen you can handle it; it is not the end of the world and your life is not ruined. Instead you are going to take a different perhaps a little harder path but with determination who knows it might be a better one!
Good Luck Everyone!