introduction College is an exciting time of new life-changing experiences and great freedom to explore new ideas and find your true self. But it also brings a lot of stress , especially during exams. Stress is a natural response to pressure, and little stress can be a good thing. It can be useful to keep you focused during exam time, motivate you to get things done, and help you perform your best. Exam stress becomes problematic when it interferes with your ability to perform and achieve your academic and learning goals
Signs and symptoms of exam stress Below are some signs that indicate you may be experiencing exam stress: Physical signs include a fast heartbeat, tense muscles, headache, sweating, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth and difficulty sleeping. Behavioural signs include fidgeting, nail biting, and increased smoking, drinking or eating. Mental and emotional signs include difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, "going blank," worry, and uncontrolled feelings of fear, dread or helplessness
Keep a routine and take regular breaks It's important to have regular study breaks and make time for relaxation and exercise. Practising mindfulness helps you focus on what's happening right at this moment. Going for a walk, run, or to the gym is a great way to clear your head and can help you focus. Watching your favourite TV show or going to the cinema are also good ways to take a break from studying. Stress - tips and self-help Physical activity and mental health If it all seems to be getting on top of you, there are things you can do to keep calm;
Limit caffeine Caffeine and energy drinks can give you a quick lift. But they're not good for you in the long term. They can make you feel sick and can interfere with your sleep and your ability to concentrate. Engage in healthy behaviours Eating healthfully , engaging in regular physical activity , avoiding tobacco and other positive health behaviours contribute to better health, which helps to buffer against the effects of stress.
Change negative thinking patterns Some people see exams as a threat and thoughts about them are predominantly negative ones. These include thoughts like: "I don't understand this stuff." "I'm sure to fail this stupid exam." "What was I thinking when I took this course?" These negative thoughts can lead to stress. Switching to a positive frame of mind can help to reduce stress. Pay close attention to your thoughts. When you hear yourself thinking negatively before or during an exam, stop and actively take a new perspective.
Remember that college is not all about studying. Studying should be your highest priority, but you need to balance your life and make enough time for other important things like extracurricular activities, hobbies, and friends. The stress of exam should not provoke depressive moods or health issues. You need to learn how to overcome test anxiety and take care of your well-being all the time.