Tips for students to deal with exam pressure- Johnson Thomas, Aasra

Tips for students to deal with exam pressure

Dont succumb to exam pressure.learn to deal with it




Finish the portions/studies well in advance(1 month before exams) so that you have enough time for revision1 (at least 1 month). Make important points for reference during revision and last minute studying.Plan your study activity well in advance. stick to the timetable you've set for yourself.

If that was not possible then be practical about your expectations. Dont expect too much from yourself. The pressure will only make your exam performance worse. Study as much as you can within the time frame you have left. If you manage to study At least 60% of the portion well, it will help you get at least 40 % marks.

While studying at the last minute make sure you take enough time for breaks. study two hours at a stretch and then take a 10 min break. Go for a walk, take a breath of freah air, play some game, relax, listen to music , do anything you like doing- anything that will help decrease the tension and pressure on yourself.

Study for at least 8-10 hours a day and sleep for at least 8-10 hours so that your body and mind get the required rest and recuperation.

While studying make sure you eat small meals at regular intervals( every 3 hours) so that your body and mind get enough fuel to burn while studying. Avoid heavy meals as they will make you sleepy.Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid fatty food and caffeine based beverages.

Before you start studying every day draw out a plan of action for the day and try and adhere to it. A mind map would also be helpful. Also know your timetable/exam schedule well so that you get to know how much time you have on hand to prepare for the papers.Set chapter wise/subject wise targets. Alternate between easy and difficult topics/subjects

Study in a sitting position or walk around and study-don't lie down and study as it will make you sleepy. Reading out aloud also helps retention. Do not keep a clutter of books by your side while studying. keep only the books you need around you and a notebook to make important points.

During exams try to be as relaxed as possible. Remember that panicking will only make you forget more. if you are anxious, speak to a friend, relative, teacher, parents, helpline, counsellor or anyone you feel you can trust- someone who will understand your situation and not make you more anxious.
Avoid talking to people who make you feel worse or friends who make you anxious because they have done better/studied more harder or generally whom you perceive as better than you in exam performance..

Avoid discussing the paper once it's done with. There is nothing you can change so quit worrying about it.

While writing the paper read all the questions first and then write the answers that come easily to you before trying the tougher ones.

while studying if you have difficulty tackling a specific problem or topic/subject seek thew help of a teacher to resolve it rather than fellow students-unless it is someone you trust implicitly and is far more studious than you.

Keep away from all addictions.

Stay positive- use positive affirmations to keep your hopes and grade up.Before sleeping write out your plan for the next day and read it aloud to yourself at least 7 times. make a positive affirmation that you will adhere to the plan and do your best to see it's completion and to the best of your abilities.Do the same in the morning before you wake up.

Scream, shout, laugh aloud, hit/ throw a cricket ball, kick a football, punch a pillow, do on the spot running, take a long shower, do yoga, reiki, exercise, pray, listen to spiritual talks,devotional music, classical music- it will help destress you.

Do deep breathing exercises. Take 3-4 deep breaths. Each consecutive inhalation and exhalation must be longer than the previous one.



If your distress appears to be increasing and is unmanageable then call a helpline or seek out a suitable counsellor.

Remember that exams do not make or break your life. Only you and your will or lack of it, can do that. Exams are only a small minor test. If you dont do well, there's always another chance, another exam to give and another alternative to study. Opportunities abound and everyone has a fair chance at finding his/her most suitable profession .