Things You'll Need:
- Nutritious food and snacks
- Study groups
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Step 1
Recognize the onset of a meltdown. You may not realize what the knot in your throat, lack of appetite, constant tears or shortness of breath is because of the pre exam period. If you are not feeling well, cannot sleep or cannot focus, remember the time of year.
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Step 2
Find the root cause of your anxiety. It could be lack of preparation, trouble with the course material or the result of a highly successful party year with more time out of class than in it. Pinpoint the cause so you can address it. The answer may be different for each exam.
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Step 3
Take action. If you do not understand the material, get a pre exam tutor. Many graduate students or student services offices offer cram courses and extra hours. Starting a study group is another option.
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Step 4
Stay healthy. If you are working, try to cut back on hours temporarily. Exercise. Sleep enough so your brain can function properly. Eat nutritious meals and snacks, and watch caffeine intake.
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Step 5
Blow off steam. You do not want to go on a partying binge in this period, but a few hours over a low-key dinner and laughs with friends can rejuvenate your brain.
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Step 6
Remain levelheaded. Just looking at an exam schedule can be enough to cause a meltdown. Make a study plan and stick to it, assigning the most hours on your weakest subject and scheduling a steady amount of time each day.
