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Exam season has arrived and the stress in the air is palpable. However, a bad case of nerves can not just harm productivity, it can also affect retention and general mental health. I brings you some tips that you can use to minimise this evil.
Plan your time
The closer students get to exams, the more likely they are to fling themselves into their books for hours on end, without respite. Such intense cramming is actually counter-productive and can lead you to blank out at the crucial moment of actually writing the exam. Instead, draw up a realistic revision schedule and ensure that you stick to it. The schedule should include some time for relaxation, whether it is reading a book, browsing the Internet or watching TV - anything that can take your mind off things. Knowing that you have a break coming up helps prevent you from losing interest completely.
Don't be unrealistic
You're already aware of your capabilities as a student - you know your strengths and your weaknesses. In would be downright silly of you to expect to rank first in math if the subject has always been your weak point. Acknowledge your weaknesses and play on your strengths. Have an honest conversation with your parents about this fact so that neither of you are disappointed with the results come in. The most important thing is to do your best.
Revise methodically
Staring at pages and pages of text can sometimes become overwhelming. Instead, smartly divide up and pull out important facts and figures. Make a list of important dates, facts or passages and use coloured pens to underline key phrases which can act as memory triggers while writing the exam. Keep going back to these notes so that your memory improves and you feel more confident as the day of the exam approaches.
Test yourself
Conduct mini mock tests for yourself or get someone to test you on your notes. Testing yourself regularly will make you see the gaps in your knowledge so that you can concentrate on those parts while revising. Additionally, getting accustomed to an exam-like environment will help in making the actual exam a lot less stressful.
Don't discuss with friends
Try not to discuss what you're studying/revising or how much with your friends. In all likelihood, they might not be telling the truth. Don't use them as a benchmark. They might not want to look like nerds for studying so much, or they might simply not be doing the amount needed to do well. Keep trust in yourself and stay focussed on what you need to do. Finally, only you're writing your exam, not anybody else.
Ask for help
Even if it's a day before the exam, don't hesitate to approach a teacher for help about a topic that you're having trouble with. You could even ask somebody at home - your elder sibling, your parents or your grandparents. Pick somebody who is good at explaining things to you. Remember, you're not alone, so don't isolate yourself. Even if you're just stressed, speak to somebody close to you. Nothing is insurmountable, certainly not a three-hour exam.
Have a fall-back plan
We all have high hopes and ambitions of attending a top university, becoming a top surgeon or exploring space. But, it's always good to have a Plan B. For example, if you don't make the cut-off percentage at a university of your choice, think about other universities you can attend instead. Having at least a vague idea of alternatives in case you don't get the desired marks will help prevent you from falling into depression later. It will also reduce performance anxiety during the exams.
Get some exercise
Some of the breaks you take should be used to engage in some physical activity. It can be something as little as a fifteen-minute brisk walk or, if you're the more active kind, going for a swim.
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