No matter how old you are or what exam you are writing, it’s natural to feel anxious!
I am sure all those reading this blog would agree with me. Everyone deals with exam anxiety in their own way; some pray, some chant, some sleep, while many binge. Some sense of nervousness before the examination is healthy because it keeps you alert and motivated.
Students study hard for their exams, but when they walk into the examination hall, their mind goes blank. Having sweaty palms and a stomach ache out of nervousness is a sign of “exam anxiety”.
It is important to understand exam anxiety!
Firstly, it is completely normal to feel a bit nervous before any test or exam, BUT some feel it debilitating. This means, they are unable to concentrate and have racing thoughts or go through physical symptoms like fast heartbeat, headache or nausea. Students need to understand that THEY ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS!
Here are a few tips that can help them stay calm during the examination month(s) and on the day of the exam.
- Getting Proper 8-9 hours of sleep: Adequate amount of sleep means 8-9 hours of undisturbed sleep. It is more beneficial to students other than re-reading a text till late night. Always remember, one’s mind needs rest. Both physical and mental health are a pre-requisite before writing a paper.
- Prepare: The first step towards fighting anxiety is to prepare well on time for the exams. It is vital that the students’ study thoroughly for their exams in a planned manner as it would boost their confidence through a stress-free mind. Staying calm and thinking clearly during the exam would help them perform productively.
- Practice: Preparing for an exam is important, but it will alone not help in overcoming the anxiety. If students practice in writing for the exams adhering to the same time limit of the exam by solving extra questions, sample papers etc., they would certainly retain all that they have studied for the exam. This would also help them in learning from their mistakes.
- Follow Routine: A study time table is useful during this time as there is a fixed schedule. A fixed schedule would help in training both mind and body to follow the self-chalked-out routine. Students would have a clarity of what they are studying and how much they need to study more.
- Have a positive Mental Attitude – Come up with a moral boosting mantra “I CAN DO THIS”! Recite the mantra right before the exam.
- Fuel Up – Eat nutritious breakfast, carry nuts or a chocolate to boost your energy during exams. Drink enough of fluids so that you stay hydrated.
- Read Carefully – Read the directions thoroughly given in the question paper and read all the question statements before making any choice or writing an essay.
- Just Start – The blank page can maximize your anxiety level. Opt for the answers you know the fore-most and give a good kick-start to the paper. Don’t get stuck at the first question. A few quick answers can set the ball rolling! Before submitting your answer sheets, revise. Go through the answer booklet whether you have completed all the answers or not.
Here is wishing you the very best for your forthcoming exams!
By: Somja Das
School Counsellor, Delhi Public School Sushant Lok -Gurugram