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The 5 best exam stress-busting tips
Don't freak out, we've got you covered
Show us a student (even an over-achiever) who doesn’t get stressed around exam times and we’ll show you a lair. It’s just a part of student life, but you don’t need to let it get the better of you. Address the reasons stress exists and improve your marks (and mood!), here’s how:
1. Make a plan
Bare with us as but failing to plan is planning to fail. The first and most important step toward a less stressed exam or test cycle is to have a study routine laid out. Turn your exam timetable upside down and starting with the last subject work forward for your first round of revision. This should stop you from cramming and unnecessary time pressure. Try an app like Exam Countdown Lite or similar. Of course a timetable means scheduling time for chilling too. The trick is sticking to your plan.
2. Set goals
Many would put this ahead of making a study schedule, but it’s a classic chicken-and-egg type of thing. How much time do I have (before the next exam) what is my goal for that subject. Set realistic and achievable goals for yourself and try to not let the expectations of parents and peers lay too heavily on your mind. keep things in balance. If you think that "anything less than A+ means I've failed" then you are creating mountains of unnecessary stress for yourself.
3. Music soothes the study monster
You’ve heard that old saying about ‘the savage beast’ right? Well it rings true for when you’re hitting the books too. The key here is to not have something blaring in your ear phones that is going to distract you (you don’t want to be singing along to the latest pop tune) what you want is something soothing as background. Ever take extra art lessons in primary school? Remember what that eccentric old lady with the paint-stained gown had playing in her studio? Press play below or search for something similar
4. Beat the slump
When your mind starts wandering (and wondering) it's a sign that your concentration is dipping and it's time to take a (short!) break. Take a walk to get the blood flowing and breathe some fresh air. Have a small snack and grab a can of Red Bull to see you through the next study block. Remember to try stick to the time goals you set in #1.
5. Get help
Don't understand some of your material? Freaking out and keeping that pent up is going to get you nowhere. Probably not even a rewrite. Take action: Ask! Either someone in your class who knows what is what, or go directly to your lecturer or tutor - you'll be surprised how happy they are to assist.
BONUS: TIPS FOR IN THE EXAM
- Breathe!
- Take time to carefully read the instructions and questions (if a question has sub questions, read them all before starting on it)
- Plan your time and stick to it - rather complete to entire paper and come back to a question on which you were stuck, than wasting heaps of time.
- Plan essay-style long answers before you jump in to writing
- When you panic, don’t panic…
GOOD LUCK!!