“Exams!” A word that makes our mind go on “Red Alert” mode.
We all have face the pressure of passing with good marks or else facing the anger of parents and teachers. In that time no matter how much we try to study or remember we keep losing interest. That is what we call “Exam Stress”.
Stress is defined as an individual’s response to pressure. A small amount of pressure can be useful to keep you focused during exam time. However, for some students, when they experience too much pressure for a long period of time, it becomes stressful and exam preparation and study seems impossible. Exam stress can start when you feel you can't cope with revision, or if you feel pressure from your school or family. You might be worried you’re going to fail or that you won't get the grades you need for the course or job you want. It can seem scary to talk about stress or anxiety. You might feel like nobody else is feeling this way.
But then nothing is impossible if you put your heart and mind in it. Exam stress can also be dealt with. After all it is a stress and stress can either make you or break you. First step, is to decide that exams do trigger a feeling that makes you feel uncomfortable. Now what do you want to do with it? Here are few suggestions which you can try to manage this feeling:
- Be organised. Think about what you do. Make a list of the most important. Drop some things off the bottom if you have to.
- Learn to know your own symptoms of stress so you can take action when you feel them building up.
- Take time out - time for relaxation, fun and exercise - all important in reducing stress. Physical activity is a really important way to lower your stress.
- Stay in contact with friends. Talking things over can help you "keep things in proportion".
- Change what you say to yourself - eg say "I think I can" instead of "I know I can't", "I'll try" instead of "I have to".
- Learn to meditate or do yoga.
- A massage or hot bath can be relaxing.
- Watch what you eat and drink. A healthy diet with fruit rather than sugary sweets for snacks is best for reducing stress. It seems that chocolate has some chemicals in it that help people feel better, so eating chocolate rather than other sweets may be best if you really want something sweet.
- Don't try to be perfect. Most people prefer others who are simply human like themselves, with some good qualities and a few things they aren't so good at.
- If you know what relaxes you - try doing that. This can be different for different people, for some it might be reading, for others music or gardening, or going for a run with the dog.
You can explore and create more pointers in continuation depending on what helps you make peaceful and happy. Peace and happiness ca be created anywhere and anytime. Like I read somewhere that “Happiness can be anything”.
Wish you all the luck!