How to overcome Exam Fear?
Do you feel jinxed thinking, rethinking upcoming exams? Exams are always scary, irrespective of your preparation. Examinations induce fear, tension, anxiety, stress and nervousness. Though everyone suffers examination fear, the intensity varies depending on how prepared and confident you are.
Some students would prepare only the day before but do really well in examinations, some students prepare thoroughly with proper planning but still experience blackouts, inability to retrieve answers due to fear and anxiety. Here are few effective tips that help you overcome exam fear.
Analyzing Reasons for Exam Fear:
Failing to plan – This is the most cited reason for examination fear. As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”.
Lack of preparation – Preparing for examinations is not a single day task. It is a day-to-day action. Research shows, 98% of students experience exam fear due to lack of study plans and preparation.
Poor study habits – Some students will always walk with a book in hand, but they fail to score well. The reason behind is, they are focused on memorizing the study material but not on understanding the subject.
Improper Time Management – Time management is an art. Even most brilliant students and academicians experience anxiety during examinations. Even though they possess good understanding of the subject and possess the ability to present the answers in a desired manner, when they lack time management skills it is a tough task to complete the examination within the given schedule.
Sleep Deprivation – Exam fear keeps you awake only if you are not confident on facing the examination. Do not give chance for physical disturbance to take you over, get at least 6 to 7 hours sleep the night before exams.
Negative thoughts – Negative thinking is the enemy of your life. If you fall for negative thinking, you will not be able to get anything productive from your mind. Understanding subject is necessary to score well in examination, negative thinking changes your mind pattern, causes blocks for new learning and self development.
Suggestions to overcome Exam Fear:
Develop a study plan – Dedicate an hour to develop a study plan for that week. You might use a diary, notebook, planner, organizer, online to-do lists to develop your study plan. Proper planning, adherence to your study plans and continuous self-check keeps you on the track.
Relaxation techniques – Learn simple breathing exercises, yoga and meditation. Here are few Simple relaxation techniques that help you calm: Focusing on your breath. Focus on inhaling and exhaling. Count your steps while you walk. Listen to soothing music at night. Sleep early & wake up early. Develop the habit of early morning walking/running. It cost you nothing but makes you disciplined and helps you overcome exam fear.
Drink plenty of water – Drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day. It protects vital organs of your body, improves metabolism, regulates body temperature, moisturizes, protects joints and skin texture, regularizes your blood pressure, and reduces stress that helps you overcome exam fear.
Eat Healthy, Exercise Daily – Take Fiber rich and protein rich diet. Drink fresh fruit juices on daily basis. Learn few basic yogic exercises or join a gym. Keep yourself healthy.
Discuss with Friends – Take up group study, if you are study-alone kind of person, discuss with your close friends on the subjects you are covering according to your study planner. This helps you stay on course with your study plans. Regular discussion with your friends, analyzing and brain storming improvises your subject matter expertise.
Think positive – Always keep this in mind. Think positive. Become a positive thinker. It seems tough in the initial stages but it is just like any other habit that can be perfected with constant practicing. Learn autosuggestion techniques. Believe in the power of auto suggestion to boost your memory cells.
Spend time with family – Spending quality time with your family is necessary in order to keep the momentum and study-life balance. Speak intimately with you parents and siblings. Share day-to-day happenings of your school/college with your family. It relaxes you and keeps you/your surrounding happy.
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