As the examination period is approaching, we can easily notice stress and anxiety among students.

Any why not?

After all, all students want to give their best performance in examination.

In these modern days, whether it’s a child of first grade or student facing board examination, the stress intensity remains somewhat same.

But sometimes this stress become so intense and students experience sadness, nervousness or even fearful thoughts. This is a kind of examination fear also termed as examination anxiety. With this, students can go into a panic mode and unable to focus on study. It could be a reason for poor performance also.

Understanding examination anxiety

First let’s understand why are you feeling this way.

The marks scored in any standard, especially in board examination determined the chances of getting admission in desired stream and prestigeous colleges/universities, future opportunities of building career, getting high salary job and excelling in professional life. 

And there is widespread acceptance that when you are good at your professional life and have good earning source, you can purchase luxury and comfort in your personal life too. 

Added to that you have your own expectations of scoring good marks just to maintain a good image in front of friends, family, relatives and neighbours. Sometimes your parent expect from you to excel academically, especially if they hold a good position in society.

In fact, scoring good grades has become a prestigious issue among students and parents too.

However, all students are not academically bright. While some are interested in non-academic activities such as sports, art, dance and music etc. But your parents and society hardly permits you to take a chance in these non-academic fields and excel.

And when you want to excel personally, professionally and socially, stress is inevitable. 

When you are under stress, it’s natural to experience negative thoughts like,

“ May I able to score good marks?”

“What if, I am not able to finish whole syllabus?”

“What if, I forget everything during examination?”

“What if, I am not able to score good marks?”

“How will I face my parents if my score is bad”

“How will I face my friends and relatives if I am unable to score good marks”

Obviously, these negative thoughts are fearful, anxiety provoking and self-doubting.

No matter, how well prepared you are, experiencing these thoughts before examination is normal. All students are sailing in the same boat and you are not alone in this journey.

Now, you know the reason for your feelings. The next step is figuring out the solution for your problem.

You know studying hard at this moment is the only solution for your problem.

But how can one study if your mind is full of so many restless thoughts?

Overcoming examination stress

If you are feeling overwhelming with examination stress, I would like to suggest you to take a step-by-step approach.

Step 1 : Take a break

Yes, you read it correctly. 

Take a break from your routine for a day. Visit nearest garden/park. Just go there and sit. Avoid an urge to carry your mobile with you. While sitting just observe what is going on in the park. Notice how children are playing, seniors are taking walk, people are talking to each other. Also, listen to the song of birds, experience the warmth of sun rays. You can observe so many natural things.

The idea is to break a vicious cycle of overwhelming thoughts and make you feel calm and relax.

If you can’t visit garden, find a peaceful window of your home and just sit there and observe outside.

If your anxious feelings are still overwhelming, do this 10 minute exercise.

Take a piece of paper and write down all thoughts coming to your mind. This exercise hardly take 10–15 minutes but effective to get rid of heavy emotional baggage associated with negative thoughts.

Once you start to feel comfortable, the next step is planning for examination.

Step 2 : Day wise planning for study

Now take a book and pen. List down all subjects and chapters you want to study. First focus on subjects and chapters that are interesting for you. Try to study these chapters first. Keep hard ones for last. Finishing easy ones give you a sense of control.

Step 3 : Give yourself gentle reminders

Now, before going to bed remembers all chapters that you are able to complete that day. Then give yourself reminders like,

“I study really well today”

“I am able to finish all these chapters and subjects”

“If I can do this for today, I can study well tomorrow also”

“Let’s give my best this time”

When you sleep with positive thoughts, it’s easy for you to wake up with motivation to study on next morning.

Build trustworthy relationships

Have a good connection with your teachers, mentors and friends. Take every opportunity to discuss study related topics with these people. Try to understand what is their perspective about the topic. This helps you to understand the topic in a much better way.

Last but not least, you are just living a student’s life. Don’t think too much about outcomes. As you grow in your life, more opportunities will come.

Trust yourself…Believe yourself…Give your best.

And

“All the best for your examination”

Also Check : Anxiety In Children

Disclaimer 

Mediclin Brain Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.