How you can work through exam stress
There ARE many mores stressors, pressures and weapons of mass distraction at play. Social media is alive 24-7, 365 days of the year. There were always pressures to look a certain way, have certain clothes and be your best. There was also unhealthy comparison, competition and pressure from friends and peers to conform and fit in – to live up to expectations.
There was also the internal desire we have to stand out. These days, they are compounded and amplified. There is simply no let up. We are bombarded with messages on phones, social media and in advertising to do this or not do that so we can be or not be something.
Over the last few weeks I have been speaking with a range of students stressed by exams and school and college work. Stress is stress at any age. Too much is ‘ too much’. Anyone that wants to succeed will experience exam stress at some stage. To be successful, we have to learn strategies to deal with it. Stress shows us there is an underlying problem – often related to our thinking strategies. We can choose to allow the stress to take us over through over- thinking or avoiding it, or we can choose to understand it and use it improve our work.
The most important thing – if you are experiencing exam stress is to understand it and find ways of addressing it so you can be at your best in the build- up and do your best on the day.
There are many reasons you might be stressed about exams. It could be a lack of self- belief. It could be from a lack of study, preparation or planning.
Maybe you feel overwhelmed by high expectations, or have a feeling of competition with others. These pressures are all ultimately diverting your energy from studying and focusing on what is important. When you understand what is stressing you, the most important thing is to stop feeding it and where possible avoid situations and circumstances that aggravate it. If you stop feeding it, it stops growing and its impact reduces leaving you more energy to focus on study and what you want.
Those that succeed in exams and in life ultimately find a way through the problem. They neither let it take over or avoid the feelings entirely and do nothing. When we work through things, they solve.
There are many options to help you leave the stress to one side so you can focus and concentrate. You can go for a walk or do some other exercise you enjoy. Talking to someone with a good mindset often gives perspective that we would not get by ourselves.
Being aware of how you’re spending time can help you stay away from situations or conversations that feed anxiety and stress.
Avoid distractions and timewasting. Spending a little time doing things you love every day will help put your mind in the right frame – saving you time in the long run. Getting enough sleep is key to success in all areas of life. Meditation is a powerful tool that helps you relax and balance and train your mind so you can focus.
The more you work through it, the more you will grow in confidence. For most students exams are coming up in the next few weeks and months. There is still time to cover a lot of ground. Start today. Feel good about yourself. Work hard. Surround yourself with encouraging people. Stress less and do your best.