How to Deal With Exam Anxiety

If you are like the majority of students, as final exams approach, anxiety sets in. In order not to fail the test or destroy your well being, you must deal with the pressure and get through exam week.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Plan well in advance for exam week. Don't leave all your studying to the last moment and make sure you arrange enough time to fully prepare for each test.

2. Schedule your study time, blocking out hours specifically for each course. Also add blocks of time for eating, sleeping and relaxing. Focus on yourself as much as your classes.

3. Relax a little every now and then. Take regular breaks, so you don't burn out. If anxiety starts building, take a few deep breaths and try to calm yourself.

4. Change your attitude and approach each exam with confidence. If you are scared of taking tests, try to use relaxation or visualization techniques to keep you focused.

5. Sleep well the night before your exams. You want to be well rested, so you can concentrate on each question. You should also eat a well-balanced meal before the test.

6. Arrive early for the actual test, so you have time to deal with any unexpected problems, like location changes and long hikes to the bathroom. You'll also have time to relax before the exam starts.

7. Skip questions during the test that are causing you undue stress. Move to the next question and try to come back to the ones you skipped after you've finished the test. You don't want to get stuck on one answer. Calm yourself and focus on the material you know.

8. Indulge yourself a little between tests. Have a snack, take a nap or simply relax a little. Do not focus on problems with the exams you've already taken. However, you should review how you tried to deal with your anxiety and improve your methods in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Find the actual causes of anxiety and try to remove them from your life. If studying with your roommate makes your head swim, try working alone. If biology overwhelms you, take a break and ask someone for help.
• Never give up. Whether you hit a boiling point while studying or during the test, just move through the stress. Take a short mental break if you need one, but keep going.
• Use relaxation tools that work for you. Not everyone works the same, so experiment with visualization, breathing and other exercises until you find one that works for you.