Exams – How to Deal with Anxiety

Many students have stress, worries and anxieties when thinking about or taking an exam. You should start with attending all of your classes; you will already be partially prepared because of your attendance in the classroom. Complete all of your assignments, these assignments are for your continued understanding of the materials and will aid you in your realizing that the subject is comprehendible by you. Once you have mastered the basics in the classroom and material understanding the rest will come easily. There will never be a guarantee by anyone that you will do well on an exam no matter how much you should study, but in understanding the materials you should feel confident enough to take the exam.

Avoidance of stress in your life should be another top priority as your exam time approaches. Keep regular hours; your body will notice a difference and your mind will be tired if you don’t keep regular sleeping habits. This theory also applies to the all-nighters that some students pull. Studying away all-night to complete or cram for a test will deplete your mind and body of you balance until you get the rest you need. Start studying for a test at least two weeks before the exam; giving your self-breaks between studying will help you retain more knowledge. Eating from a regular diet also helps you build concentration and the feeling of self-confidence. If you are eating straight chocolate and chips for a week your body will feel depleted of nutrients needed to keep you motivated.

Keeping your body and mind in tune with your on going classes and studying needs will give you extra motivation needed to conquer an exam. As you prepare to head to class to take the actual exam, make sure you have all of the needed supplies – pens, paper, calculator, and eraser – anything that keeps you in control. Being afraid of the exam or test, it is a normal feeling that many students have and face everyday. You will find that some students need to crack jokes before a test, have a quick jog, or even some may need to take a nap before a big exam to feel relaxed and in control of their feelings as they approach the testing time.