How to deal with exam stress?

With inputs from Aspire Magazine, All is well, 2011.

Exam stress is perhaps the biggest menace for students.  Dealing with it effectively can make the difference in acing the exams.   Seema Hingorany gives the best tips to learn how to deal with stress and panic by both battling examination stress and learning to relax.

Seema Hingorany, Clinical Psychologist
Examination stress is perhaps the biggest menace for students. Learn how to let off steam without blowing your top.

Exam time is round the corner and students are working hard to ace their papers and secure good results. Cut throat competition and high expectations have now become part of the package. And though stress and pressure during exams is not new, students must learn to use this to their advantage. One of the most important driving forces is confidence.

You must believe in your capabilities and be sure of what you can do. Many students sail through the preparation but often panic on the day of the examination. It is natural to feel nervous prior to the exam, but getting excessively nervous is counterproductive as it will hinder your ability to think clearly. Develop a time table so that you can track and monitor your progress.

Remember, when you see a question you can't answer do not panic. It is better to write something down than nothing at all. Try your best, but if you do not do as well as you hoped, it is not the end of the world.

Battle examination stress

• Develop a time table so that you can monitor your progress.
• When you start losing concentration, take a short break.
• Move all distractions like television and Internet away.
• Stick colourful notes with formulas around your room.
• Don't get influenced by the revision your friends are doing.

Relaxation techniques

• Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply.
• Try to relax tensed muscles; imagine the tension disappearing.
• Relax the body, from your feet to the top of your head.
• As you focus on each part of your body, think of warmth.
• After 20 minutes, take some deep breaths and stretch.