Exam Time How to Stay Calm and do your Best

Students reel over in pressure and anxiety during exam time. They fall prey to the duration of the paper, performance and stress. It is quite normal but overwhelming. Researchers have revealed that the quality of performance decreases due to time constraints and test anxiety. Some students perform well in these types of situations, and some don't. Exam time is not fun at all. Students admit that bad things such as unseasonal colds and coughs as well as sleep deprivation happen during this period.

Sitting vigil with a cup of black coffee and textbooks will not do much good. Losing sleep doesn't help at all. In fact, it leaves a bad impact. Students feel drowsy and feel panic. They are not able to concentrate. Their mind wanders and they are unable to answer simple questions. Lack of sleep has its fair share of negative impacts. As the exam nears its date, most of the students don't know where to start their revision. They haven't made a timetable for the subjects they want to study and feel burdened. The solution is to go through the subject syllabus. They should ask the teacher or lecturer to point out which topics will be questioned. This will lessen the workload. There are lots of ways to handle exam stress.

Preparing for Exams

Some ways to help students relax and achieve at the same time are as follows:

1. Don't make it a last minute mission - students should prepare for the exams before it has declared. Doing so lessens the burden. it makes the students feel confident and relaxed.

2.  Stay Calm -it's advisable for parents and children to stay calm. They shouldn't get on each other's nerves and create problems for each other. Parents should support their children, motivate and encourage them.

3. Be Positive -positivity attracts positivity and negativity attract negativity. Students should say 'yes, I can do it' or 'I will get a good grade'.

4. Prepare a timetable - this is necessary as one can do justice to all the subjects that they are being tested. Students should give equal time to their subjects and not only the ones that they are comfortable in. They should also allocate time for short breaks.

5. Set realistic goals -it's advisable to set goals which one can achieve easily than something that is not graspable. You know yourself better than anyone. So aim high but keep it realistic.

6.  Diet - health is important so be sure to eat. Keep it balanced and not too heavy. Avoid taking too much protein as this makes one feel sleepy and uncomfortable during exams. Opt for carbohydrates.

7. Sleep well - Sleep is important. Try to get a few hours of sleep. Not doing so makes the student feel anxious and sleepy on the day of the exam.

On the day of the exam, try not to dwell on the subject matter with friends and classmates. It is because sometimes, it's not helpful at all. In fact, it makes the person feel panic as they suddenly realise that they don't know the head or the tail of it. On the day of exam, on should:

1.   Time and place - reach the venue before time. Students can get the venue information from their teachers and respective schools.

2.  Reading time - when reading time is given, students should quickly go through the paper and tick the questions they know. Scan the paper to see the allocated marks and make a mental note of how much time to spend and which questions to answer first.

3.  Clarify - students should clear their doubts with the examiner. They shouldn't wait until the last minute to do so. It's advisable to go through the instructions first.

4.  Blank mind - there's no need to panic if the mind goes blank. Students should remain calm, and take a deep breath to clear their mind. It is normal and is part of exam anxiety.

5.    Keep track - wear a watch to keep track of the time. Time is necessary. Students should work accordingly.

6. Stretch - if one feels their muscles cramping up, it's best to stretch. There would be space to stretch one's arms and legs.

7.  Distraction - don't give ear to the sounds around such as flipping pages, or dropping of pens, etc. Concentrate and stay focused.

It's a Family Affair

Exam time is a family affair. Everyone in the household should try to give a helping hand. It is very simple:

-   Parents can have a chat with the teacher to know more about the exam schedule

-   Don't play the music and television on high volume

-   Keep on checking on the child (student)

-  Give a relaxation on their chores such as exempt him or her from having to set the table for supper or washing the dishes or taking out the garbage etc.

-   Lighten up the atmosphere

-   Don't harass the child (student)

Parents and siblings can help by getting the stationery case ready the night before. They can see to that there are extra pens and pencils in the case. On the day of the exam, the student should be encouraged. They can wish him or her all the best. Plus, they should see to that they have a proper breakfast and drop them at the exam venue several minutes early. When the exams have done, parents can take the child (student) out for a treat. Then they can ask how the exam went. If the child (student) is uncomfortable in replying, drop the subject. Talk about something else to lighten things up. Discuss about the exam only when he or she is comfortable and ready to do so. Result time can be quite unsettling. Parents should be ready for it. They shouldn't scold the child. Rather, they should motivate them and tell them 'you have done well' or 'you have done well and need a little extra effort' or 'you can do it better the next time'. Parents should hug and kiss the child. It motivates them.