As much as you need to prepare the appropriate study material in sufficient depth, passing your exams always requires self-control and mental calmness. However, despite our best efforts, our plans and intentions occasionally fall short of one essential goal: how to handle everything while under the time constraints of an impending deadline, in this case, an exam. We also begin doubting ourselves during the demanding exam period or concentrating primarily on one thing, etc. These strategies will help you navigate the whirlwind of emotions and information during the examination period. Here we have enlisted a few:
- Delegation
Sometimes students tend to pile things on their shoulders senselessly. You should rather do something myself than have someone else do it and risk not having the precise result I have in mind. Now come to exam time, these small traits just make life very hard. It is impossible to keep the chronicle degree of control I have to accept and spend as much time as possible on my studies, especially with the degree of focus required at such as critical time. Hence, you need to let go a bit. Additionally, you must acknowledge that you won’t be able to keep up with everything for the upcoming few weeks. In this situation, having a strong support network around me is essential. These are people who can sympathise with how difficult this time is and are willing to help me relax.
- Look back
Another moment when you tend to second-guess yourself a lot is just one or two weeks before the examination. I always have this why-did-you-register-for-exams-you-know-nothing-at-all-moment.
A contributing factor to the problem is the realisation that a subject of interest is rarely a cut-and-dry body of information. Instead, it is an infinite mass of ideas piled like waves upon waves in the ocean. You will also have to learn to cohabit with that vastness and realise what you have learned throughout a single year of study is but a speck of the whole theoretical approach. However, one thing you can do is consider your progress.
Simply look back at the path you took when you are anxious about the deadline. And you are going to stop now? No way! There is too much at stake for you to turn back now!
- Look Ahead
If looking back doesn’t work, consider looking past exams. I mentioned my bucket list to you last year. Your mornings, which should be spent studying, will now be free and can be used for a variety of activities that you have been putting off because I did not have the time for them. Additionally, consider the wonderful sensation of knowing that you gave it your all, finishing another year, and having a few months to do whatever you want.
- Acquire knowledge beyond the books
It’s not always uplifting to look back and look forward. It is inevitable that there will be times when nothing goes as planned. The best course of action in that scenario is to put the books away. It will also feel like a waste of time to make an effort while feeling good to read, and this will only serve to increase your self-doubt. Reread your all-time favourite book while sipping coffee and eating something. Just keep your mind positive for as little time as possible. Additionally, it will clear your mind so you can always join in again.
To sum up, these are just a few strategies you can use to get rid of the psychological efforts of exam stress. No matter what you decide, don’t let stress consume you. Happy Learning!
