It is that time of the year when we throw caution to the wind and binge on coffee, depriving ourselves of sleep for a good number of days, just to prepare for the coming exams.
You may think that this is a sensible way to cram for your exams since it is a break from your usual lazy ways. You might also convince yourself that abruptly changing your routine will lead you to change some key behavioural traits in your favour during the run-up to your exams. We hate to be the ones who break it to you, but unfortunately, you thought wrong. Indulging in haphazard last-minute measures never bode well. We are afraid there is no quickfire method to success, and your best bet would be to prepare a meticulous plan, well in advance, and stick by it.
Also read : Why is MBA the most sought after course in India 2021?Stress is natural, but how will you deal with it?
Irrespective of how much you like a particular subject or discipline, you are bound to be a little nervous when you know exams are right around the corner and you haven’t started preparing. Whether this nervousness dies down or escalates into something more serious, that is another discussion altogether.
To put matters in perspective, it has emerged that last year, against the backdrop of the pandemic when mental health concerns were at an all-time high, almost 28 students in India died by suicide every day. Mental health is an extremely real concern in today’s fast-paced times, and it would be in our best interests to take the signs very seriously.
To begin with, we would like to clarify that a positive form of stress, known as eustress can be a good thing, it could very well be the motivational push we need to get things done. However, too much of anything is bad for you. Let’s consider some ways how you can nip such mental health concerns in the bud.
Also watch : Why is MBA the most sought after course in India 2021?Don’t forget to breathe
Setting aside some minutes daily to practice mindfulness techniques help you to calm down your body’s stress response and shift your attention back to the present. In turn, this gives you time to rationally think through the anxieties you have, rid yourself of unhelpful thought patterns and enables you to deal with a large number of exams and begin more effective revision.
Eat, sleep and exercise
Pulling all-nighters, surviving on a poor diet, and slouching on your desk throughout the day can increase and bring to the fore symptoms of anxiety. For your body’s best performance, make sure you get:
- At least eight-nine hours of sleep
- caffeine and more water At least half
- Enough slow-release carbs Less
- an hour of exercise every day
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While you may think that the best way to deal with exam anxiety is by studying for hours, that is not the case. Your brain needs to relax to be able to process what you are reading, interpret and consume information.
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According to the research conducted by Dr Chuck Hillman from the University of Illinois, a simple 20-minute walk will give your brain the break it needs to deal with exam stress.
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According to the research conducted by Dr Chuck Hillman from the University of Illinois, a simple 20-minute walk will give your brain the break it needs to deal with exam stress.
The importance of realistic goals
Setting realistic goals, whether you have several weeks, days or even hours before your exam, helps you put everything into perspective. While we would not recommend that you start preparing for your exam just hours before you enter the exam hall, acceptance of your situation and working within the realms of what you have will maximise your productivity without the risk of burning yourself out.
You are not alone!
A 2004 research paper noted that revising with peers is an effective study technique as it allows you to absorb your notes better. (Source: “The Impact of Peer Assessment on Academic Performance: A Meta-analysis of Control Group Studies”)
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