It’s common to feel stressed around exam time. You might feel there’s a huge amount of pressure to do well, or you might feel anxious because you can’t remember everything you’ve studied. Besides developing good study habits and managing your time, you can use certain coping skills on the day of the exam.

Here are a few tips for coping with exam anxiety:

 

Get enough sleep, eat healthy food, and keep moving

Regularly getting a good night’s sleep, being physically active, and eating a balanced diet with loads of fruit and veggies are good ways to promote your mental well-being. They’re not the only answers, but they’re a good place to start!

 

Be prepared

Make sure you prepare well in advance. Cramming won’t help you to remember your work, and will add to your anxiety. If you’re finding it difficult to buckle down and study, you may be better off using some fun study methods.   

 

Arrive early

Make sure you plan your route on the day of the exam. Think about things that might make you late, such as possible taxi or bus delays. By arriving early, you give yourself time to prepare mentally for the exam.

During the exam:

  • Read the instructions carefully.
  • Make sure you allow yourself enough time to complete the exam.
  • If you feel stressed, take 3 deep breaths – breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
  • If you go blank, skip the question and go on – you can always come back to it.
  • Don’t panic when students start handing in their papers. There’s no reward for finishing first.

 

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If you have any questions about dealing with exam anxiety, leave us a message in the box below, and we’ll get back to you!

Note: This article was originally published on 15 October 2014, and has been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.