Mr. Anand Jeyasingh, Counsellor, Career Guidance Cell, Yuvabharathi Public School.
A little anxiety before an exam can be beneficial because it spurs you on to work more. Nonetheless, stress levels can occasionally become out of control, especially near the end of an academic year.
The sympathetic portion of your autonomic nervous system activates when you are under stress. This is initially a good thing since it causes the neurochemical adrenaline to be released, which motivates you to get moving and concentrate on your work. Yet, the issue arises when stressful intervals lengthen. When this occurs, the sympathetic branch is perpetually activated, releasing adrenaline into the body and maintaining your state of alertness. As a result, you worry more, struggle with anxiety and sadness, and have trouble concentrating.
Improve your study skills
Find out ways in which some topics could be memorised. Highlighting keywords and headings could be of help. Remember, more number of headings abbreviating their first letters is a common example of simplified learning.
Scheduling the available time
We tend to waste time by procrastinating the chapters left to study without a schedule in place. We also might end up having no time to finish the study. Scheduling usually gives space for revision or even to take good rest after studying. You do not want to become literally “restless”.
Set goals mentally
What is the raise in the score or rank you would aim for this exam? In which particular subject? Which difficult topic you left untouched are you going to complete first? Mentally be prepared to complete the topics without fear.
Stay focused
Social media, relationships and comparisons – whatever is distracting you at the moment – Remove them meticulously so that you work rigorously towards one thing to accomplish.
Take breaks
If you are reading for a long time, your brain will reach a threshold and will restrict your learning ability. Take regular breather intervals whenever saturation is felt while studying.
Plan much ahead on which subjects require study groups
Take help from your friends who would be willing to explain certain chapters or topics where you need help. Don’t hesitate at all.
Write and practise most of the topics (note-making and keywords)
Most importantly, Please write and practise the question papers while studying. This will remove 50% of your exam fear as you get used to the habit of writing.
Avoid distractions
Stop thinking about movies, concerts and having fun in the malls for this season. Do not feed your mind with desires that dilute the momentum.
Avoid self-criticism and negative predictions
Tell yourself this “I can do this”, “I will try my best”, “I’m not going to compare myself with others”, or “I shall take it as a challenge and work hard as hard as I can”. Relax yourself quite often.
Stop panicking. Loosen up a little.
Relax yourself quite often. Stretch your arms and legs at times. Remind yourself that exams are not the end of life. They play a role in your success.
Sleep enough
Sleeping on time and waking up only after 7-8 hours gives your body enough rest, and your brains that were constantly working the previous day will be ready for the next new day. Less sleep will affect the whole day’s work.
Stay hydrated
Drink a lot of water, and never let your body dehydrate. The brain works smoothly when it is hydrated.
Eat on time
Appetite may not be felt when you are preoccupied with what’s left to study, but untimely intake will affect the level of concentration that is needed for the rest of the day
Eat good carbs, proteins and fats
Swiggy or Zomato delivering cheeseburgers or margaritas may look efficient, but healthy home food is the only option in order to not fall sick during the exams.
Strictly avoid junk food and cold foods
Clear off your refrigerators by removing all beverages, cool drinks, sodas, and packaged foods. It’s the easiest way to avoid the common cold, fever and food poisoning in one shot.
Avoid long naps during the daytime
Sleeping during the day might result in no sleep at night. You don’t want to mix up the words when you are studying. Also, you don’t want to dose off in the exam hall.
Stay energised physically
A good amount of fruit intake will do the magic for you.
All the best!
