Exam week can be downright stressful. It’s a time when professors and teachers expect you to remember weeks’ worth of learning material and apply it to an hour-long test. Some involve multiple-choice questions while others have short answer portions of essays for you to write out what you know. The cherry on top is that exams are usually a good percentage of your final grade. Lots of preparation and intensive study sessions are a great place to start. But there are many other ways in which you can combat your anxiety and stress related to exam week.
Find a study partner.
You’d be surprised at how well this actually works out, especially if your study partner is also in the same classes. You can quiz each other on what you know. If they know more about a certain topic, they can help you understand it better, or vice versa. Plus, saying what you know out loud helps with memorization and cementing certain concepts that would otherwise just be floating around in your head. Having a study buddy can also help you hold yourself accountable when it comes to studying. You’ll be more likely to commit to studying for a few hours when you’ve arranged to do it with another person.
Express your feelings out loud.
Whether it’s to a friend, family member, or therapist, it can be nice to talk to someone about how you’re feeling. If you’re in need of professional support, family therapy is a great avenue to explore in order to navigate any mental health challenges you may be experiencing. While stress can often be chalked up to a tough school curriculum and a busy schedule, sometimes it can also be a result of other underlying issues. It never hurts to talk to mental health professionals about how you’re feeling because they have years of experience with a variety of issues. A family therapist can take on a long-term supportive role and help adolescents and adults with specific issues.
Take good care of your body.
This is an essential step to getting through exam week. A huge part of managing stress is taking care of your body. Think about it! Your body is responsible for powering you through the day and making sure that what you learn actually sticks. So, it’s important to stay hydrated while studying and eat well to make sure you have enough energy to complete your tasks. Have some brain food and eat study snacks like berries, nuts, and dark chocolate. Don’t just rely on coffee or energy drinks! Your body is not a machine and needs to be nourished.
Do something that isn’t related to studying.
Taking a break is absolutely necessary to manage your stress. It’s important to relieve yourself of the pressure to perform well. Take a walk, watch an episode of your favorite show, or get some exercise to release those endorphins. Taking frequent breaks can actually lead to better productivity in the long run.
Most students can acknowledge that tests are stressful, and it can be even more stressful to have to deal with the college application process on top of exam week. If you’re pursuing higher education, it may be best to search for a college admissions company to help you navigate college applications every step of the way. Thankfully, a service like Empowerly has consultants and advisors to assist you.
During exams, it’s important for you to trust in your knowledge and your ability to pass your tests. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, eat well, and don’t hesitate to reach out to someone if you’re not feeling your best. These are just some of the best tips for managing your stress.
