It is that time of the year again when we have to write our final exams to evaluate what we learned during the last 3 months, and this process can be stressful. Though most times we cannot control the circumstances we face, we can always control how to react to the circumstance, and this concept can be useful when dealing with exam stress. Instead of freaking out, getting axious or cutting back on sleept, the following tips will be useful to ensure your final exams will be smooth and painless.
1. Plan your study period:
Schedule study periods daily (2 to 3 hours each) where you focus on studying. This short study period will create an avenue for you to study effectively and avoiding information overload. Also, schedule a final review perioud a day before each exam focusing on the reviewing the whole content that will be covered in the exam.
2. Find a study partner:
Sometimes studying with someone can be motivating and can make you feel less overwhelmed for the upcoming exams. You can study with someone writing the same exam as you or different exam. However, it is important that when you study with a partner that both parties focus on studying. Regular chit-chat can be helpful sometimes to alleviate information overload, this should be limited. In cases where you're feeling overwhelmed about your exams, you can drop in at the Peer Support Center to find someone to talk to or book an appointment with a mental health professional at the Student Counselling Center.
3. Mock exams:
After studying a couple of chapter, testing one's knowledge can help assess the level of understanding of the topic and how allocated time can be managed effectively. This exercise can also be carried out with a partner. Doing this will not only help you understand the content and boost your confidence, but will assist yo identify areas of weakness and where mor revision is needed.
4. Move it:
Examination period is not a time to withdraw from being active. You don't have to be an athelete or a regular gym-goer at the St.Dennis Centre to enjoy the benefits of being active. Just a few minutes of walking (despite the cold weather) or finding time to play with your pet will do. Being active has been scientifically supported to help manage stress and improve academic performance.
5. Take a break:
Go have a coffee or tea with a friend, socialize in forms of having talks with friends and family or getting involved in small activities.
6. Have a positive mindset and energy:
See the exam as an opportunity and a challenge that can be overcome and not as a punishment. Having a positive mindset and energy will ensure that you assimilate well when studying and convey your answerings effectively while writing the exam. Find something around you to make you smile.
7. Meditate:
This can be incorporated hasslefree in your daily routine. Even before your exam, close your eyes for a few mintes, take three deep breaths and open your eyes with a smile on your face.
8. Rest:
A good sleep is always helpful to make you feel refereshed and energized. Before, during and after the exam period, ensure you get enough rest by going to be early and waking up early. Eliminate spending too much time on the phone or binge-watching tv.
9. Eat well:
Food is the fuel of the body and it is essential to feed your body with healthy food not only for exams, but everyday. Research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that dietary choices canaffect academic performance. Enssure you eat healthy food rich in protein, calcium and fresh foods in veggies. Fuel up that body!
10. Arrive early:
On exam day, ensure you arrive 20 minutes before the exam. This will ensure you arrive at the right location and enough time to relax in anticipation of writing the exam successfully.
For more information on stress and wellness, feel free to visit the Wellness Outreach office, located in CAW Rm 117 or visit their website.