Exams are the most common cause of stress in a student’s life, more so during 12th standard. It is almost impossible to find a totally tension-free 12th grader. Studies show that exam tension in a moderate amount is actually good, and it brings out the best from you.
However, if it is adversely affecting your physical and mental well-being you need to learn to control it. There are several ways of exam stress management, you can adopt or follow whichever is effective for you. Here are a few ways that we feel can help you tackle exam stress:
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Start preparation as early as possible:
You are bound to have a nervous breakdown when you see you have not covered 50% of your syllabus, and exams are starting in a few days’ time. Do not let this happen to you. Start studying ahead in time. A proper timetable will help you to be consistent. Have enough time to revise, practice and solve sample papers. Practise writing answers. When you know what to expect in the exam, your examination tension will be minimized.
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Don’t memorize without understanding the concept:
Cramming without understanding will make you forget. This will create tension before your exams. Give enough time to a tricky theory or problem to fully internalize it, then write it down in your own language. You will remember it even if you don’t get time to revise that concept before exams. There are certain topics, which you have to memorize. Try making mnemonics to easily remember them.
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Don’t compare yourself with others:
Do not compare your marks with your peers. This will make you agitated. Be realistic, and make a candid analysis of your strength and weaknesses. Work on your weakness, take outside help if necessary. If you can’t score well in one of the internal exams, do not allow it to sit on your mind. In the long run, the marks of internal exams will not matter. Rather, figure out your mistakes and improve on that.
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Physical activity, meditation, adequate sleep and healthy eating:
Be engaged in some physical activity. If you love a sport, allot some time every day to actively play it. Otherwise exercise, run, jog, get some fresh air. Eat properly and healthy. Do not skip a meal to save study time. Get adequate sleep every night. Without proper rest your brain will get stressed out. Give yourself a quiet and peaceful time every day. You can practise meditation by simply concentrating on the present moment.
To release tension before examination, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Make a circular hole with your lips and exhale slowly. Repeat a few times. These are a few tips to avoid tension
