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Writer's pictureJenn

Exam Days and How to Tackle the Anxiety 06/08/24

I went through a bit of a metamorphosis over the last few days. I was really stressed and all I could think was 'how did I get here?, Where did it all go wrong' Quite frankly I got here by myself and nothing has actually gone wrong I'm just facing the consequences of my actions.

Now you might be wondering 'what consequences is she moaning about'. Let me tell you:


  • 1. I may or may not have overcommit myself over the Uni year

  • 2. I may or may not be trying to cram 9 months of work into 3 weeks (light work)

  • 3. I may or may not be dealing with a fleeting case of imposter syndrome

But despite all this I'm not going to let it get me down (I have no more tears left after crying all weekend)


So I put on my big girl pants and decided to just deal with it.

First I got out of my bed and just started studying, then the enormity of what I had to do got to me so I began to pray. Then I started studying again and I just kept at it.


If you feeling stressed about Uni or Work my biggest piece of advice is JUST START cause when all the tears have been cried and wiped away the work will still be there waiting for you to complete it.



 

Preparation Phase

  1. Plan Your Study Schedule:

  • Create a detailed study plan that breaks down topics into manageable chunks.

  • Set realistic goals and deadlines to keep track of your progress.

  1. Organize Study Material:

  • Gather all necessary textbooks, notes, and resources.

  • Summarize key points and create concise revision notes.

  1. Practice Past Papers:

  • Solve previous exam papers to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions.

  • Time yourself to simulate exam conditions.

  1. Healthy Study Habits:

  • Take regular breaks using techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break).

  • Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep.


Now personally I failed at almost every single step here but they might help you or someone else.


 

Days Leading Up to the Exam

  1. Review Key Concepts:

  • Focus on revising summaries and key points.

  • Use flashcards, mind maps, and mnemonic devices for quick recall.

  1. Stay Active:

  • Engage in light physical activities like walking or yoga to reduce stress.

  • Practice deep breathing exercises and meditation to calm your mind.

  1. Limit Caffeine and Sugar:

  • Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and sugary snacks which can increase anxiety.

  1. Stay Positive:

  • Visualize success and practice positive affirmations.

  • Avoid negative self-talk and stay confident in your preparation.


I had a matter of hours leading up to my exam so there was no time for this at all.


 

Exam Day Strategies

  1. Arrive Early:

  • Reach the exam venue early to avoid last-minute stress.

  • Ensure you have all necessary materials (e.g., pens, ID, calculator).

  1. Read Instructions Carefully:

  • Take a few minutes to read the instructions and understand the question format.

  • Plan your time allocation for each section.

  1. Tackle Easy Questions First:

  • Start with questions you are confident about to build momentum.

  • Mark difficult questions and come back to them later.

  1. Stay Calm and Focused:

  • If you feel anxious, take deep breaths and refocus.

  • Avoid looking around or comparing yourself to others.

  1. Review Your Answers:

  • If time permits, review your answers to catch any mistakes or incomplete responses.


Now this I was able to do. I even filmed a TikTok in the morning. I was really stressed for no reason my exam went well but the anxiety before it was nearly crippling.


All in all what I'm trying to say is you've got this and even if you think you don't you do. Using the tips I've outlined (in a timely manner, don't be like me) will really help you pull it all together for your exams. I wish you the best of luck in all your exams going forward ><.


 

And for anyone interested in how my TikTok turned out I've put it down below so you can watch :)




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