Coping with Exam Stress

S.E.A. exams, C.X.C. exams, C.A.P.E. and other forms of examinations are right around the corner. Believe it or not, even though you expect it, there still comes with that expectation a level of anxiety and stress. The thing is that you want to do your best, there maybe a lot of pressure on the outcome of these exams as they are touted as having a direct impact on your future. So how do you COPE?

Here are some tips which may help you as you prepare for those coming exams. In any order some of this guidelines may prove quite beneficial to you at any level.

Plan: the brain functions best when there is some level of structure, it aids in retention of long-term memory and one’s ability to recall important facts. Just as you would have experienced in school, a timetable for studying, practicing, or revising is a necessary step. Make a realistic plan. If you study better in the afternoon, then utilize those hours. Some people are able to sleep and then stay up during the night, if this time is quieter and best for you then make the effort. Whatever schedule you work out, STICK TO IT! Give each subject enough time and be honest with yourself. The subject that is most challenging probably needs a bit more time than the others.

Rest: It is an exercise in futility, trying to learn or revise anything when you are tired. Resting doesn’t always mean sleeping although a nap cap serve to rejuvenate the brain, but you can change activity, just sit and practice your breathing or engage in some meditation. Many have found that listening to soothing music helps them to recharge. You have to figure out what works for you. Above all, make sure that you get adequate sleep. Four to six hours can do wonders.

Eat: This point cannot be stressed enough. Remember bad stress is like an attack on the body’s energy level, and food provides the body with energy. So you need to be well nourished in order to cope with stress. No one is saying to over eat, but making healthy choices that provides the body especially the brain with what it needs at this particular time makes sense. Stock up on foods rich in vitamin B, as this vitamin can improve one’s energy level. Eat foods like cheese, eggs, spinach and kale, salmon, liver and even shellfish to boost your energy.

Be Creative: Make your own memory cards with topics that are challenging to you. Keep it simple and in point form. Apply mnemonics to those topics which may be too lengthy to remember. A mnemonic is a tool that helps us remember certain facts or large amounts of information. They can come in the form of a song, rhyme, acronym, image, phrase, or sentence. Mnemonics help us remember facts and are particularly useful when the order of things is important.

Have a well ORGANISED Workspace: Some people attest to knowing where everything is on a messy desk. But if you are stressed and your workspace is chaotic then you are creating a recipe for disaster. Pack up and sort things out neatly, so that you also have enough room to spread out when you are studying. Find a space that is calm and clutter free. Ensure too that your posture is one that sends the proper message to the brain. You want to maximize the time that you have assigned to studying. You should be seated upright and ready to work. Lying down sends the message that you are getting ready to sleep or in rest mode. This may assist in avoiding a wandering mind.

We hope that these tips will prove useful to you as you prepare for your upcoming exams. For students in standard 4 and standard 5, Eastern Credit Union has made the free download of our Mathematics Practice Booklet #1 possible for one week. Click on the image of the booklet below to get your free copy.

We wish all students Best of Luck in Exams.