How to Cope with Exam Pressure

Exam time brings with it tons of pressure and high levels of stress. For many, the nearing deadline of an examination seems difficult to cope up with. It is at this juncture that students give in to pressure and lose their focus on studies. Excessive exam pressure and stress can make one feel anxious, nervous, edgy, exhausted and fatigued.

This can have a negative impact on your studies, further aggravating your problem. Dealing with exam pressure, is the only way of coming out with flying colors. So, if you have been wondering how to cope with exam pressure, read on...

Exams are not a surprise, but a preplanned course of events. Hence, getting organized will save you from a lot of trouble. Moreover, syllabus is usually handed out at the start of the year or at the start of the term. Make the most of the time you have, to figure the subjects that seem difficult.

You will have to give them a little extra attention, so plan well in advance because you have other subjects to study as well. If you need additional help besides college classes, then find out where can you get it.

Make your own notes, as it always helps in understanding the subject better and in greater detail. Figure out how much time you have before the exams and how much time you need to devote to your studies before the exam starts.

Once you've calculated the time on your hand, make a timetable which will help you use it wisely. Initially it might seem as though there is ample of time, however, time is one resource which cannot be bought and hence, must be used judiciously.

Eliminate the time wasters from your schedule and work out the hours you may have to put in to study besides school hours. Divide your day into three parts (morning, afternoon and evening) to know exactly how you will be spending your day. Make a list of topics you need to study and assign each to the coming days and hours.

While chalking out your timetable remember to put in some time out too. After all, all work and no play makes one dull and bored. Breaking the monotony is just as important as working hard, when it comes to dealing with pressure.

Revision is an important part of dealing with exam related pressure. Recapitulating what you have learned, builds confidence and eases performance related tension.

Figure out what helps you in revising. It may be a question-answer session with your friend or teacher or solving a sample test paper. Making notes from textbooks, solving worksheets and redrawing graphs and diagrams are a few ways of revising before the exam.

Besides planning and following that plan, it is crucial to learn how to relax. A few breathing exercises, and meditating will help you reduce a lot of stress. Sit in a comfortable place, close your eyes and watch your breath.

Making a conscious effort to clear your mind from all the thoughts helps in releasing tension and bringing a sense of oneness from within. Indulging in some kind of physical activity, such as a sport or an exercise routine is the best way of dealing with stress. Also, try to get adequate sleep, so that your mind is well rested before the exam.

Recognizing the efforts you need to put in and working towards your goal wholeheartedly, is the only way of eliminating exam stress.