Dealing with exam stress

Stress can show itself in many ways. 

Some of the common signs of stress are: your heart racing, having stomach cramps,having trouble sleeping, losing your appetite, or over-eating. Here are some tips to

help you chill out…

Start studying early

Start studying as soon as your teacher 
announces the exam. Even before that, 

read over your notes after each class to
 make sure you understand them. Put the

 notes down in your own words.

Make a plan

Planning is an important aspect of preparing 
yourself for the exams. If you

 are preparing for exams, make sure 
that all your notes are ready and intact.

 It is advisable to make a chart which 
enables you to study accordingly.

Practice, practice, practice

Ask your teacher for a practice test. If there
 isn't one, make your own. Answer the

 questions with friends and grade each other's work.

Take a break

Psychologists suggest that we can only
 concentrate properly for about 45 minutes at

 a stretch, while neuroscientists tell us that
 the longer we try and focus on one thing,

 the less our brains are able to deal with it
 effectively. So, take breaks to stay refreshed.

Drink well

Staying hydrated with lots of water or herbal
 teas is the key to being alert. Juices or 

sugary drinks can make you feel jittery and mess
 up your energy levels. Tea and coffee 

perk you up, but you should stick to just five cups
 a day. If you’re feeling jittery or have

 problems sleeping, drink your last one in the late
 afternoon. Bear in mind that colas,

 energy drinks and sports drinks may all
 contain a lot of sugar and caffeine.

Get some exercise

This is probably one of the best ways of dealing
 with exam stress. Anything - from walking 

the dog to going for a swim, running or riding a
 bike - helps reduce physical tension that leads

 to aches and pains, and releases natural, feel-good, 
brain chemicals.

Sleep well

Most importantly, sleep well. Schedule your study
 timings and sleep timings in a systematic 

order and make sure you get a minimum of seven
 hours’ sleep, as it helps retain what you have

 studied during the day, besides keeping you fresh.

Relax

If you are really anxious, find a calm, quiet space
 and try breathing deeply in and out for a

 few minutes, focusing your mind on something
 pleasant, like a beautiful place with happy

 memories, or anything that helps you wind down.

Get your doubts cleared

If you have any doubts, make sure you get it clarified
 while preparing for exams and do not leave

it till the last minute. By following this tip, you will
 not just take your studies to another level,

 but will also be clear about the subject of study.

Keep it in perspective

If you feel you have really messed up an exam, there’s
 nothing you can do until you get the results.

 Worrying about it won’t help and may, in fact, reduce
 your chances of doing well in any other exams

 that you may be taking. Think about what you could
 do about a disappointing result that will help you

 feel in control.