Help! Coping with Exam Stress

Exam anxiety and exam stress is real life! The fear of bombing an exam is so stressful and it can really get to you. Stress can actually make you perform worse in your exam. It can get so bad that we can even start to stress about being too stressed!

The good news is there are ways to ease that stress and get your mind right, ready to ace your exam. If you are one of the many who struggle with coping with exam stress, here are some ways to get that exam stress under control.

Prepare

I know, studying is the worst. Studying will help you feel less anxiety because you will know you have done what you can do to set yourself up for success. If you find it hard to concentrate on your own, buddy up with a classmate for a study session. The Cairns Student Lodge Function Room is a great space you can use for your study session. Just check with Reception during office hours to book your spot.

By setting this time aside and focusing on doing the necessary prep work prior to the exam, you will feel more at ease with the exam. You will have a good idea on what you will see and it will help you feel at ease. Also set out any materials you need for the exam the night before and make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get to class on the day of so that you aren’t rushing to get there.

Distract Yourself

Once you have made it to a good place in studying do something to take your mind off the exam. Don’t go crazy, but try reading a book or having coffee with a friend. Another good idea is to get some exercise. This will free your mind and is also a great stress reliever.

Avoid staying out too late, drinking, or binge watching TV. While it could seem like a great way to take your mind off the exam, they won’t benefit your efforts. Those activities will but unneeded stress on your brain, which won’t do you any favors on exam day.

Relax

If you are still stressing the night before the exam, turn off the laptop and try some yoga. Yogaholics is an online yoga studio that offers a free trial! Yoga focuses on stretching and breathing techniques which are great to help you ease your anxiety.

To help you ease into your night time routine, you can also practice meditation. Here are some guided audio meditations you can try from ABC radio before your big exam. Mediation has been shown to help calm you down and will be the perfect way to get you prepared for your day ahead. It may even help your mind get into a great state to help you recall all that useful information you studied!

Last but not least, get a great night’s sleep the night before. A lack of sleep can increase your nerves and stress you out even more! Aim for at least seven hours. With plenty of preparation and these relaxation techniques, you should be in a much better place with your next exam.

Eat

At Cairns Student Lodge, we feed you! So do take advantage of some of the healthy options available to you.

On the day of the exam, eat a light breakfast. Fruit is a good option and is easily digestable. Do feel free to help yourself to the fruit in the Dining Hall. It is available all day. That apple might just help you stay calm and perform well in your exam. Mother nature will certainly give you a helping hand in coping with exam stress.