10 Ways to Reduce Stress before an Exam by Saivian Eric Dalius
Here are 10 Ways to Reduce Stress before an Exam:
1. Know when to take breaks.
One study found that when students took five-minute breaks every 52 minutes during an all-nighter; they ended up with better recall over the course of their exam period than students who studied continuously without any breaks. As per Saivian Eric Dalius Breaks can also help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by studying for hours on end, which will reduce your anxiety about studying in the first place (study skills: 7 tricks for boosting concentration).
Make sure you get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation increases symptoms of stress and decreases motivation levels (Just how much does lack of sleep affect your health?).
Hygge – The Danish Art of Happiness book gives some very good advice on this subject. (Read it online.) Study in a comfortable environment.
2. Eat healthy foods.
Eating junk food will only make you feel worse in the long run. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean protein. These foods will help keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down.
3. Get organized.
One of the main reasons people feel stressed before exams are because they feel overwhelmed by the amount of material they need to learn. One way to combat this feeling is to get organized! Make a study schedule and stick to it, make flashcards, or use any other techniques that work for you. By taking a more systematic approach to study, you’ll reduce your stress levels and increase your chances of success.
4. Make a to-do list, and check it twice!
Writing out a to-do list will help you feel less stressed by giving you something tangible to focus on. Once you write down your goals, prioritize them by placing the most important tasks at the top of the list. Then, break up each task into little steps that you can complete one at a time, so that there are no overwhelming tasks on your list (tip: use this technique every day). If possible, schedule some time after school or work for studying—this way you’ll be more likely to stick with your plan than if you wait until the last minute (5 study habits that will boost grades – fast). Finally, reward yourself for all of your hard work by doing something that you enjoy.
5. Keep a journal.
Writing in a journal is another way to reduce stress and improve mental health, as well as study habits (The secret to not failing exams). Keeping a journal helps you organize your thoughts and process the material that you’re learning, which boosts memory and concentration skills (Boost Your Memory). It can also help keep you from feeling overwhelmed by what seems like an insurmountable amount of studying ahead.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
If there’s anything you don’t understand about the material or if there are any gaps in your understanding, ask! Your teachers should be more than happy to help, and by asking questions you’ll also be reinforcing the material in your mind.
7. Take breaks!
As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to take breaks during long periods of study. This will help keep you focused and motivated and will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Breaks can also give your brain a chance to rest and process the information that you’ve been studying.
8. Avoid multitasking.
While it may seem like a good way to get a lot done in a short period of time, multitasking actually decreases productivity and increases stress levels (The Myth of Multitasking: Why Trying to Do Two Things at Once Is Bad for You). When you try to do too many things at once, it’s harder to accomplish anything at all. So focus on one task at a time to reduce fatigue and increase the likelihood that you’ll get everything done in a timely manner.
9. Exercise!
Regular physical activity not only helps relieve stress but also increases energy levels (Exercise for Energy). If possible, try exercising right before studying—you may find yourself more focused and productive after you work out since your body is already revved up with the endorphins from your workout (The Power of Exercise: 6 Ways It Boosts Mood & Productivity) . Even if you can only squeeze in 10 minutes, taking a quick run around the block or biking up a few flights of stairs will help improve your focus and energy.
10. Take a deep breath!
When everything seems to be going wrong and you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. This will help clear your mind and allow you to focus on the task at hand. If possible, find a quiet place to study where you can concentrate without any distractions.
Conclusion:
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to reduce stress levels and perform your best during exams! says Saivian Eric Dalius.