It is rightly said that ‘Behind success there is lot of aspirations & perspiration’. Life is a challenging combination of happiness & anxiety. Now this perspiration & anxiety gives way to the ‘neo syndrome’ called ‘Stress’ ruling 2/3rd of world population specially students Every student who aims to become a high-achiever will experience exam stress at some point in their career. It’s an unavoidable part of student life that can be a tough nut to crack. Remember, stress exists for a reason and one can choose to let it be their downfall or use it to drive to improve one’s work.
To combat exam stress, firstly students need to understand the reasons behind this heightened anxiety. Then they can establish methods to reduce the pressures they feel. Researchers have uncovered some common explanations for this:
- Low motivation levels
- Lack of preparation and planning
- High expectations from others
- Competition from peers
Outlined below are some ways that really helps put those negative feelings to one side and concentrate on one’s learning goals.
Plan your Study Routine
It is pertinent for students to be pre-prepared with their ‘Pan of action’ to reach their goal. With some initial effort, they can become more productive and motivated each day by following a study routine. With the elevated confidence level, stress will automatically take a back seat.
Take a Quick Walk
Many students feel as if they should spend their entire time before exams with their books open and their pen poised for action. However, research has proven that exercising such as taking a walk can boost your memory and brain power. Hence, move out & take a brisk walk to lower the anxiety level.
Give Your Mind Space
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to take a break and see your stress from a different perspective. Practicing meditation is another way to maintain focus while improving both mental and physical health to reduce pre-exam stress.
Break Free from Distractions
Use your time constructively & keep away from distractions like Facebook, Instagram etc. When you add it all up together, it amounts to a significant waste of time. It can be hard to detach from your life outside of studying but keeping the end goal and timeframe in mind will ease the process.
Let it All Out
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone and share your confused thought process. Figure out what you’re feeling and then let it out. Speaking to a family member or friend can highlight the bigger picture for you and empower you to rise above the exam stress.
Eating Your Favorite Dessert Helps
Eating Sweets like dark chocolate which is over 70% cocoa fights the exam stress hormone cortisol and has an overall relaxing effect on the body. Plus chocolate releases endorphins which act as a natural stress fighter.
Try to Get Enough Sleep
The benefits of a proper night’s sleep can never be underestimated. Most importantly, sleep helps your brain to assimilate new knowledge into your long-term memory so that you can recall it when it comes to test day. Anyone who has tried to concentrate with half a night’s sleep can also testify to improved focus with better sleep. Hence get your 6-8 hours of sleep regularly without fail.
Listen to Music
Listening to music can create a positive and productive environment by elevating your mood and encouraging you to study more effectively and for longer. Classical music is recommended as the best type of music to boost your brain power but ambient music can work too.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is an absolute proven stress-reduction technique. But sometimes we feel even too stressed to work out on a consistent basis. Simple modifications in posture, habits, thought, and behavior often go a long way toward reducing feelings of stress and tension.
Group Activities
One way to keep from getting bored, sad, and lonely is to go where it’s all happening. Sitting alone can make you feel frustrated. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, get involved. Offer your services to a neighborhood or volunteer organizations. Help yourself by helping other people. Get involved in the world and the people around you, and you will find they will be attracted to you. You’re on your way to making new friends and enjoying new activities.
The golden rule is – ‘Do not focus on results but only your actions & preparations; results will inevitably follow you’
