Listen to this articleExperiencing anxiety before an exam can happen! It’s a natural emotion that occurs to help us become more alert. While some anxiety could help us to focus and give us more motivation, too much anxiety could be overwhelming and needs to be managed and brought under control. If we experience too much pressure, we don’t perform as well as if we just had the low-level pressure necessary to perform well. However, pressure doesn’t necessarily cause anxiety.
Tips for anxiety
Plan your study, avoid working at the last minute or the day before. Preparation is the key.
Imagine what questions may be asked, try to answer them by integrating the knowledge you just learnt during your course.
Change your perspective, think positively, it’s just an exam, you can succeed.
Reward yourself after the exam, physically and emotionally.
Stay positive, avoid bad thinking of yourself.
Get a good night’s sleep, exercise regularly, eat and drink sensibly.
Revise with peers, you will benefit from this social support.
Talk to someone if you need help, friends, family, or your tutor, learning support, GIHE health and wellbeing.
On the day of the exam
Eat a moderate breakfast and avoid too much caffeine.
Do something relaxing before the test. Last minute revision could cloud your knowledge of the subject.
Be ready early to start your exam and aim to relax.
Avoid colleagues who generate anxiety.
If waiting causes you anxiety, distract yourself, maybe with your smartphone.
During exam
Review the entire test.
For multiple-choice questions, first read all the options, before answering.
Don’t rush, take your time.
Release the tension, tense and relax your muscles throughout your body.
Regulate your breathing, breathe in through your nose, for 4 seconds, hold for 4, then slowly breathe through your mouth.
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