Education
How to Remain Composed While Taking Exams
Most students suffer from academic-related anxiety during their school years. However, most of these stressful feelings usually occur during the exam period. Statistics indicate that between 25 and 40% of students in the United States suffer from test anxiety. Feelings of excessive worry during the exam period can deal a heavy blow to your grades. Fortunately, there are several tips you can implement to keep test anxiety at bay. Some of those tips are discussed below.
- Plan Adequately
The best way to remain calm during exams is to prepare adequately. And a big part of that preparation entails studying well ahead of time.
Resist the temptation of cramming all your notes in the evening or morning preceding the test.
That might only leave you feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information to process within a limited time. Besides, you may forget much of what you’d already committed to your long-term memory.
- Supplement With CBD
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally-occurring ingredient in cannabis widely marketed for its numerous medical benefits.
Cannabidiol contains powerful anxiolytic properties. Therefore, the compound can play a direct role in relieving test anxiety. CBD produces its anti-anxiety effects by inhibiting the body’s access to the stress hormone cortisol. Some studies have also linked the substance to increased signaling of hormones that promote mental wellness, such as serotonin.
When looking for the best cannabidiol products to alleviate exam anxiety, it’s best to consider full-spectrum products. CBD are products formulated with decent amounts of cannabidiol . You should google “can full spectrum cbd oil cause headaches” to understand more about it.
The CBD in full-spectrum products combats anxiety, while the THC in these supplements raises your mental alertness. That combination can be advantageous while studying for or taking your exams.
- Create a Study Plan
This technique fits within the glorious sentiment of ‘adequate planning.’ But we’ve decided to discuss it separately because it’s not just a tip for busting exam anxiety but also for fostering healthy study habits.
There are various ways to go about creating a study plan. For most students, a workable plan entails one that prioritizes difficult subjects by allocating them to the most productive time of day, such as the morning hours.
Whatever you do, ensure the plan is flexible enough to be modified whenever there’s a need for it.
- Identify and Leverage Your Study Technique
Knowing your study technique can go a long way in combating test anxiety. In other words, how do you memorize your notes?
Most students memorize information using visual cues, including mind maps, geometric shapes, numbers, and color codes. Others rely on acronyms and coded alphabetical sequences.
Still, on study techniques, it’s important to determine whether you’re an early bird or a night owl.
Besides, know your attention span. Are you the kind who needs a break after every half an hour of study or one who can study for longer hour blocks?
- Hit the Gym
Most students appreciate the significance of regular exercise to overall health and wellness. But if you’re among the few, the exam period is your ideal time to create a robust workout plan.
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals that regulate mental health. Endorphins are especially cited for their ability to quell racing thoughts.
Working out regularly during the test period can also boost your confidence, which is sometimes all you need to memorize difficult points during exams.
- Get Adequate Sleep
Another tip for staying calm on exam day is getting a good night’s sleep, especially throughout the exam.
There’s a close correlation between adequate sleep and memory. Having a good night’s sleep before your exams can improve information retention.
Sleep is also one of the most effective natural remedies for stress and anxiety. Indeed, numerous findings have shown that people who don’t sleep for the recommended duration every day (7 – 9 hours) are generally more prone to anxiety than those who get enough sleep.
One way to ensure you’re getting proper sleep during your exam period is to limit the usage of blue light-emitting gadgets, such as smartphones and televisions, late in the evening. Also, do not consume stimulating foods like coffee at night. Last but not least, never use your bedroom as a study room, despite the often-compelling urge to do so during the exam period.
- Remember… It’s Just an Exam
After all is said and done, it’s important to remember that it’s just a test, and the outcome won’t necessarily reflect your intellectual capabilities. Having this realization can help take the focus from the fear of failing the test to appreciating your self-worth.
You can practice this technique by developing positive self-talk through affirmations.
However, do not misconstrue this strategy as a justification for laxity. Remember that there’s no substitute for hard work, especially when it comes to revising for crucial tests.
Final Word
Test anxiety is unavoidable. However, it’s reassuring to know that there are multiple ways to alleviate the excessive worry triggered by the prospect of taking your exams.
Most of the strategies we’ve highlighted above aren’t only useful on exam day. They can also help improve your study habits and overall wellness.