The majority of people don’t enjoy taking exams and they will often feel stressed before and during the test. It is completely normal to feel this way, especially when you want to do well, but sometimes stress can hinder your performance and cause you to freeze up. Some people become nervous because they haven’t prepared, whereas others worry about the actual questions they will be asked in the test. However, before you walk into the test, there are a few things you can do to stay calm whilst taking the exam.
Study and Prepare
There is a famous saying that goes, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” and it is very true when it comes to taking tests. Before you go into the exam hall, you should know what sorts of questions will be asked as you should have been studying them. Go over all your notes, take mock tests and read up new material online to make sure you are prepared. When it comes to studying make sure you find somewhere quiet to work where you won’t be distracted and take regular breaks. This will help to keep your mind fresh by pacing the amount of information you are taking, and it can keep you motivated as well.
Don’t Drink Too Much Caffeine
While caffeine in the form of coffee or energy drinks can help with those long study sessions, they aren’t always good for you. Some people find that caffeine can cause anxiety and end up doing more harm than good. While you want to be alert for tests, getting energy in this form isn’t a good idea as it will leave you feeling jittery and unwell. Instead, make sure you are following the next three tips on this list.
Eat Healthy Foods
Your body needs good food for fuel, which is why it is so important to eat healthy foods during the exam period. When you cut out foods saturated with sugar and carbohydrates, you will be much better and even have more energy than normal. Try to resist the temptation to eat sugary snacks as the energy boost they provide will be short-lived.
Exercise
If you are feeling stressed and like you need to let off some steam, there is no better way to do that than by working out. Not only will the physical stress on the body relieve stress, but it will also boost your endorphins and make you feel good. Soon you will find anxiety and tension are a thing of the past when you work out. It can be as simple as going for a walk, or you might want to hit the gym to lift some weights. All kinds of exercise are good for the body, although a lot of people say that yoga is excellent when it comes to reducing stress thanks to the breathing techniques.
Sleep
When people have exams, they often think they need to be up all night studying, but this will only make you feel worse. If you want to avoid the brain fog and sluggish movements that come with being tired, make sure you get enough sleep in the build-up to an exam. There have also been studies which show sleeping after learning new material can help you to remember it more, which is what you need.
Practice Positive Thinking
Above all else, practice positive thinking. It is amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. Tell yourself that you have learnt a lot of new material and thanks to all the studying you are feeling ready to face the test. Positive thinking is also important after the test has taken place when you should remind yourself that you cannot be defined by the results of a test. You should always strive to do your best and never compare yourself to anyone else.
Taking a test doesn’t have to seem like the end of the world, especially when you follow these tips.
