Coping with HSC and University Exams
It’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed at times of intense academic pressure. At these times, it can be essential to keep perspective of the long-term picture and be kind to yourself. Here are some other pointers to help cope with the stress of exams:
Set realistic goals - whether you have weeks, days, or hours before your exam, being realistic about what you will achieve will help you to put things into perspective. Accepting your situation, and working within the realms of what you have, maximizes your productivity without the risk of burning out.
Be kind to yourself - Beating up on yourself will only add to a sense of despair. Instead focusing on what you can still achieve, with what you have right now, will get you on task again.
Figure out precisely what it is that is making you anxious. Once you have worked out what it is, take the necessary steps to help your situation. If it’s a particular exam or course getting you down, attack it head-on, spend some extra time on it, or seek support from a tutor or educator. If necessary speak to a professional.
Eat, sleep, and exercise well - pulling all-nighters on a poor diet and getting minimal sleep is a short-term solution. Think of the exam stretch as a marathon and not a sprint. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night, have less caffeine and more water and get half an hour of exercise per day to help you go the distance.
Don’t go it alone - revise in a peer learning group, and spend some time away from it all with family and friends. Be proactive if you require support for Autism, ADHD, OCD or another Anxiety Disorder, or Depression, by checking in with a health practitioner.
Believe in yourself - This may feel like a step of faith for some, but you may be surprised at how telling yourself that you can do it, with reference to a previous challenge that you overcame, can energise you and create a sense of possibility and hope.
Remember to breathe - Setting aside a couple of minutes each day for relaxation or mindfulness or prayer will help to calm down your body’s stress response and shift your attention back to the present moment. This will give you the time to contemplate the anxieties you have, and address unhelpful thought patterns, making it easier for you to deal with a series of exams.