Stree before exam

When are you most likely to experience stress? Right before you ask out the girl/guy of your dreams? Right before you’re going in for your second open-heart surgery? Granted, those are pretty stressful. However, another excellent example of something that causes stress is the dreaded exam. These exams are often elusive, and usually sneak up on you when you least expect them. Once you realize that you have a few days before that big exam that comprises half of your final grade, you might inadvertently start to feel some stress.

So, what do you? How do you deal with stress before exams? First of all, you should pledge that you will never again forget about an exam and put off studying for it––and actually mean it. Besides this, you should try to recognize when you’re feeling stressed, so that you can counter those unproductive feelings. Some symptoms of exam-induced stress include an extreme lack of sleep, irregular eating habits, panic attacks, mood swings, and even difficulty breathing. Try to take control of yourself and start focusing on the task at hand. After all, it will just get more and more stressful if you don’t get studying.

As was mentioned earlier, never let it happen to you if at all possible. Mark down the big test day clearly in your planner, calendar, PDA, or smart phone (and if you don’t have any of those, get one). Then, mark days in between to remind you that it’s coming, and that you ought to start studying. If you have been studying all the way along, you’ll go into test day with a totally different attitude. Remember, cramming is the biggest cause of stress related to exams.

exam stress

Relaxing is another important thing to do. Try to put it into perspective. It’s probably not the end of the world if you don’t do your best on this exam. Think of it is a learning experience or a wake-up call, that procrastination and cramming aren’t the best ways to succeed in life. If, on the other hand, it is the most important exam in the world, and you will fail at life if you don’t do well, then try to take a deep breath and focus on learning what you can in the short time you have left. After all, moping about how you won’t do well is going to guarantee that you don’t do well. If you try, you at least have a shot.

If you have some time before school exams, remember to be seeing the teacher or professor all the way along for help. A lot of times, this will make up for a less-than-perfect score on an exam, because they can see that you cared and were trying. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try, but it can relieve some stress to know that you did your best all the way along, and if you don’t do your best, you might get some pity points. Pity points are great.

Finally, talk to people who know what they’re doing. One great way to deal with stress before exams is to simply study with people who expect to do well. Some of their optimism and knowledge will probably rub off on you. Plus, if they’re relaxed and pleasant, you will be more likely to feel relaxed too, and maybe you’ll be more receptive to learning what you need to know than if you’re hanging out with less prepared folk. Overall, just try not to cram and remember to get organized and have a positive attitude. All you can do is try your best.

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