It’s very natural for each student to experience exam stress. It’s an unavoidable part of student life. But stress exists for a reason and it can be used to drive you to improve your work. But unfortunately, stress becomes the reason for under-performance of many bright students. To combat exam stress, firstly you need to understand the reasons behind this heightened anxiety. Then only you can apply various methods to reduce the pressures you feel. Researchers have uncovered some common explanations for this:
  • Low motivation levels
  • Lack of preparation and planning
  • High expectations from others
  • Competition from peers
But it’s not difficult to overcome exam stress. Following are simple methods to overcome stress before exam.
  1. Plan your Study Routine
This may not be a big surprise but what is shocking is that not many students understand the benefits of creating a personal study plan. With some initial effort, you can become more productive and motivated each day. Then you approach your preparation by understanding your learning progress. In this way, your preparation remains on right track and you don’t get stressed at last moments.
  1. 2. No heavy preparations.at last moment
It’s usually seen that when you engage in heavy preparation at the last moment,  you tend to get mixed up and build up undue stress which, again, is not what you would want to do.
  1. Do not solve too many mock test papers at the last moment
Solving at the last moment would only confuse you more. Solve as many test papers, mock questions- online or off line, as possible BUT not on the last night before the paper. Solving papers on the last night will only mess up your concepts and tricks that you have mastered. Instead you should try revision. Also, take break between your revisions. That way you will be able to study better and do a lot more revision.
  1. Try to Get Enough Sleep
The benefits of a proper night’s sleep can never be underestimated. Most importantly, sleep is also helpful in assimilating new knowledge into your long-term memory so that you can recall it when it comes to test day.  Better sleep can help in studies as it helps improve focus and concentration.
  1. Give Your Mind Space
Meditation is one of the most effective ways to take a break and eliminate your stress. It also helps to maintain focus as it improves both mental and physical health to reduce pre-exam stress.
  1. Listen to Classical Music
Listening to music can create a positive and productive environment as it elevates your mood and encourages you to study more effectively and for longer duration of time. Classical music is recommended as the best type of music to boost your brain power. Other forms of music such as ambient music can also work.
  1. Loosen up
Many students feel as if they should spend their entire time before exams with their books open. However, research has proven that exercising and loosening up can boost your memory and brain power.  You can try by going out for a long walk, jog, hit the gym- exercise. It’s been proven exercise helps to de-stress. But DO NOT try relaxing by solving reasoning!
  1. Eating Dark Chocolate
Believe it or not this is 100% true. Eating dark chocolate which has over 70% cocoa content helps to fight the stress hormone cortisol and has an overall relaxes your body. Also, chocolate releases endorphins which act as natural stress fighter.
  1. Break Free from Distractions
I bet you don’t even realize the number of times you check Facebook, Instagram or whatever your vice is? When you add it all up together, it amounts to a significant waste of time. It can be hard to detach from your life outside of studying but keeping the end goal and timeframe in mind will ease the process. 10.Believe in yourself.  Most importantly, BE POSITIVE. You have studied hard. You have put in a lot of hard work and you are focused. Tomorrow will be your day.    
Strategy Entrance Preparation exam strategy GK
Anisha Mukhija

Anisha Mukhija

CATKing Mentor / Author

Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.