write a speech on exam stress on students

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Speech on Exam Stress

• Updated on  
• Feb 26, 2023

Do you know which factor helps students in giving their best in exams as well as getting the best result? It is the ability to manage exam stress. A little bit of stress is positive as it pushes the student to give their best in the exam but excessive stress makes the situation worse as the student despite hard work underperforms in the exam. Speech on exam stress is an important ASL topic and given below, are two samples of speech on exam stress.

Sample Speech on Exam Stress [200 – 300 Words]

Good morning everyone! I am ABC and today I stand before you to present an insightful and eye-opening speech on exam stress.  Notes, resources, and study material for cracking an exam are easily available yet the most prevalent issue is the inability to tackle exam stress. Be it board exam students, UPSC aspirants, CAT aspirants, JEE aspirants, all of them do face anxiety and exam stress at a certain point. This speaks volumes louder,  how important it is to inculcate the skill of emotional intelligence and stress management in students as it is the ability to manage the stress that sets us apart from the rest. Various factors lead to an increase in stress among students. Those factors are poor time management skills,  low-self esteem, spending too much time on the phone, bad company, negative comparisons by teachers and parents, and procrastination. The most important factor according to me is procrastination because most of the students wait for some sort of motivation or spark to get them started. But the truth is waiting for motivation is useless because you won’t get motivated unless you start working. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and it is just about that one step which the student needs to take and that is start studying daily instead of piling up at the last moment. There are various ways of managing stress which will ensure optimal performance in the exam. Some of the ways are doing exercises and meditation, practising deep breathing techniques, practising affirmations, having a positive company and environment, and proper time management. Always remember that apart from testing knowledge, what exams actually test is the ability to stay calm and handle pressure. Thus, along with mastering your syllabus don’t forget to master the art of stress management. 

Also Read: 10 Stress Management Techniques for Students

Sample on Exam Stress [400 – 500 Words]

Good morning everyone! I am ABC and today I stand before you to present an insightful and eye-opening speech on exam stress. I would like to begin by quoting the lines by Hans Selye which says “Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” Handling stress can either be a make-or-break situation depending upon how one handles it. Schools and colleges do ensure that they have taught concepts mentioned in the textbook with utmost clarity but at times they forget that the most important thing to be taught to students is managing stress. Stress management is that one skill that sets the best standout from the rest and helps in meeting life challenges. A common thing in board exam toppers, apart from their sky-high scores, is the ability to manage exam stress effectively. The never-ending rat race to score the highest in examinations, constant pressure from parents, and unhealthy competition from peers may lead to the development of psychological disorders in students such as depression, anxiety, etc.  As per statistics, one student in every one hour commits suicide in our country. This grave situation speaks volumes louder about the need to instill the skill of emotional intelligence and stress management in students. There are various underlying causes behind the stress which students face at the time of examinations. Some of those causes are having low self-esteem, spending too much time on social media, chronic procrastination, inconsistency, poor time management skills, negative peers, and unhealthy comparisons by parents. The most crucial cause I believe is poor time management skills as the topper as well as underperformer has the same twenty-four hours. The one who can effectively manage time faces less stress as compared to the student who is not able to manage time. Students should have a habit of maintaining daily to-do lists as that reduces the load to remember tasks and helps in the breakdown of a huge chunk of the syllabus to be covered. Important techniques of stress management are proper time management skills, having command over the syllabus, doing yoga and meditation to calm the mind, and having a growth mindset. It is the mindset of an individual along with proper time management skills that help them crack all sorts of exams in a stress-free manner. Always remember, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Thank you so much! Everyone for being patient listeners.

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This was all about the speech on exam stress. Hope you all found the speech to be riveting and insightful. For more blogs like these and regular abroad education updates, stay tuned to Leverage Edu!

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you just made my day thanks i got 10/10 on my asl exam however i need to make some ammendments.

Very nice article!! its all based on exam stress. I have always taken ashwagandha in capsule form; however, the gummies version is fresh and healthful. for stress free life and for good sleep and to be healthy .without any stress to write an exam .

Thank you so much for your appreciation of the article. We are glad that you have found your way to deal with exam stress. Please also check out our article on stress management tips for students and let us know your thoughts on it.

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Essay on Examination Stress on Students

Students are often asked to write an essay on Examination Stress on Students in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Examination Stress on Students

Understanding examination stress.

Examination stress is a common issue among students. It refers to the anxiety and nervousness students feel before and during exams.

Causes of Examination Stress

The main causes of exam stress include high expectations from parents, fear of failure, and lack of preparation.

Effects on Students

Examination stress can lead to health problems like headaches, sleep issues, and even depression. It also affects a student’s concentration and performance.

In conclusion, it’s vital to manage exam stress for overall well-being and academic success.

250 Words Essay on Examination Stress on Students

Introduction.

Examinations are an integral part of the academic system, designed to assess students’ understanding and knowledge of subjects. However, they often induce a significant amount of stress among students, which can adversely affect their performance and overall well-being.

The Origin of Examination Stress

Examination stress primarily originates from the pressure to perform well. This pressure can stem from various sources such as high personal expectations, fear of failure, or societal and parental expectations. The competitive nature of the academic system, along with the perception that success in examinations equates to success in life, further exacerbates this stress.

Impacts of Examination Stress

Examination stress can have profound psychological and physiological impacts on students. It can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and even physical health problems like headaches and fatigue. Moreover, it can impair students’ cognitive functions, thus negatively affecting their academic performance.

Managing Examination Stress

Effective stress management strategies are crucial for students to navigate through examination stress. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help maintain physical health and reduce stress levels. Psychological strategies such as mindfulness, positive affirmations, and relaxation techniques can also be beneficial.

While examinations are necessary for academic evaluation, it’s essential to address the stress they cause. A balanced approach, focusing on both academic excellence and mental well-being, can help students manage examination stress effectively, thus leading to a healthier and more productive academic life.

500 Words Essay on Examination Stress on Students

Examinations are an integral part of the educational system, designed to evaluate a student’s understanding and knowledge of the subjects studied. However, they often bring with them a significant amount of stress, causing a negative impact on the mental and physical health of students. This essay delves into the phenomenon of examination stress, its causes, effects, and possible solutions.

Examination stress is a psychological condition in which students experience extreme distress and anxiety in the period leading up to, during, and even after examinations. It is characterized by feelings of fear, self-doubt, and apprehension about one’s performance in the exams. While a certain level of stress can be motivational, excessive stress can hinder performance and well-being.

The causes of examination stress are multifaceted. The pressure to perform well, high expectations from parents and teachers, competition amongst peers, and fear of failure are common triggers. Additionally, the lack of effective study habits, poor time management, and the absence of relaxation or recreational activities can exacerbate the stress. The modern educational system, with its emphasis on grades and rankings, often overlooks the individual learning pace and capabilities of students, further contributing to this stress.

Effects of Examination Stress

Examination stress can have severe implications on a student’s mental and physical health. It can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. Physically, it can cause headaches, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, and a weakened immune system. Moreover, it can negatively impact a student’s academic performance and hinder the learning process, creating a vicious cycle of stress and poor performance.

Addressing Examination Stress

Addressing examination stress necessitates a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, a change in perspective towards examinations is required. They should be perceived as a part of the learning process rather than a do-or-die situation. Secondly, students should be encouraged to adopt effective study habits and time management techniques, which can reduce last-minute cramming and associated stress.

Moreover, the importance of physical exercise and recreational activities in maintaining mental health should be emphasized. Regular breaks, balanced diet, and adequate sleep are crucial for stress management. Counseling services should also be made available in educational institutions to help students cope with stress.

In conclusion, examination stress is a prevalent and severe issue faced by students. It is crucial to address this problem to ensure the holistic development of students and foster a healthy learning environment. By altering our perspectives, improving study habits, and prioritizing mental health, we can mitigate the effects of examination stress and transform the educational experience into a more enjoyable and less stressful journey.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Telephone for Students
• Essay on Student Politics
• Essay on My Strength as a Student

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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It is that time of the year when you bury your head in the books. In such times stress and self-doubt can creep in and leave you worried.

The what-ifs must be ruminating in your mind. Relax while you prepare for your exams; we have curated some of the best speeches of all time to get you geared up.

Here are some inspiring speeches that are bound to motivate you.

1. Failure is Inevitable

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.”

J.K. Rowling gave the commencement speech at Harvard University . Known for writing Harry Potter, Rowling struggled a lot early in life.

Success did not come easy to her, as she toiled hard for years and went through many losses before she made it. Hence, get inspired by this amazing writer, accept the failures, and consider them a part of your life.

2. Secrets to Success

“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.”

Eric Thomas gave this speech . The speech is split into two parts, and we guarantee you : you’ll ditch everything and immediately open your books . It is an inspiring speech for students who want to be successful in their exams and does not coddle the listener in any way. It is a great speech to motivate and prepare students for examinations.

3. Trust Your Struggle

“I trusted one day an opportunity would come, and I needed to be ready.”

Zian Asher threw light on success not being a straightforward journey. She understood life when she went from working as a receptionist to a news anchor in the span of 5 years. She shares how her mother helped her achieve a successful career and life.

Zian made her rules, carved pieces from the industry, and then accepted that she did not need to take part in the competition to achieve success.

4. It Ain’t About How Hard You Hit

“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it .”

Rocky Balboa has to be on the list if we talk about inspiration. This is his monologue from the Rocky series. This scene had Milo Ventimiglia, who gets scolded by Sylvester Stallone. Be careful; you do not want to end up watching all the Rocky movies because it is exam time!

5. It is highly doable

“Ain’t no elevator to the top. You got to take the stairs.”

Steve Harvey tells you the importance of working hard. He shares that nothing comes easy in this world; you have to do it even if it is tough, and you have to put in all the strength to achieve your dreams. He also discusses how things were not always easy for him either.

Final Takeaway

These are some of the best speeches on the internet, so get up and start hustling to achieve your goal!

Want to write a motivational speech? Read Writing A Motivational Speech For Grade 11 Students

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Exam stress – Helping our students help themselves

“Exams.” Even the word itself can evoke stress and anxiety! There is often so much myth and mystery surrounding exams that they can seem to have a life of their own. It is true that taking exams can be stressful – you are being asked to recall, analyze and synthesize, all within a time limit. But it is also true that there are some very practical things that we can do to help manage ourselves in stressful situations.

We’ve been helping schools develop student wellbeing for over 10 years, since founding our consultancy MindWell Education . In this blog, we share some techniques to help students manage their stress during exams, and to help teachers support them.

Understanding our mind

• Have you ever been in a test situation and just ‘drawn a blank’? You’ve studied, but once in the exam room you seem to have forgotten everything and can’t think straight? This is not your fault! When we are in stressful situations, sometimes our executive functioning can go ‘offline.’ This is because the stress centre of our brain has taken over – this is the part that instinctively pushes us to fight, flee or freeze. Drawing a blank can often be an indicator that you are in ‘freeze’ mode. The part of your brain that is used for strategising and organising is not fully available to you at this moment.

• Our own storytelling minds can sometimes contribute to our stress. Our brains don’t like uncertainty and are designed to ‘fill in the blanks’ to make sense of situations. Worried thinking can make mountains out of molehills. But just having worried thoughts about something doesn’t make it true. Quite often things we spend a lot of time and energy worrying about turn out to not be as bad as we had imagined. Whenever we notice the storytelling mind is spiraling off (again!) into mountain making, we can learn to let go of those circular thoughts by grounding ourselves in our physical, present moment experience.

How can we actually calm our minds?

This knowledge of how our brains and bodies react to stress is helpful so we can have some intellectual understanding of how we function on a physiological as well as psychological level. We can also develop a more experiential understanding by using simple, practical exercises that we can practice when we are calm in order to be able to apply them during stressful times.

Stress activates our sympathetic nervous system , but we can help our minds get back ‘online’ by activating our parasympathetic nervous system with simple exercises. For example:

• Connecting back in with the body, bringing our attention to our feet, seat or hands can be helpful (see Feet Seat Hands practice at the end of this blog)

• Working with the breath to calm our system (see Hot Chocolate Breath at the end of this blog) These are a couple of examples of mindful awareness practices which can be very helpful for managing stress and anxiety. A good regular preventative practice is to help ground ourselves in our body, learning to calm our physical, mental and emotional systems. We can spend so much time ‘in our heads’ worrying about the future – like the exam that is coming up! – that it can be very helpful to bring our attention back to the body, intentionally experiencing sensations that we find there. This can help us unhook from the worrying mind.

These tips and strategies are not only helpful for exams, they are also transferable to other stressful areas of our lives. There is no magic solution to alleviating all our stress. What is helpful though, is the recognition that there are some things that we can do to help manage it.

A message for teachers

It can be very useful to incorporate some of these strategies into the exam itself. This can be a simple reminder to students to take a moment before starting (and if possible, between tasks), taking a few deeper breaths or using any practices they’ve already learned to help them ground themselves before they begin.

Prior to the exam, the body will be primed with adrenaline – which can provide helpful energy – but it can also sometimes create disruption. A settling practice can help your students to not rush into answering that first question too quickly and help them focus more clearly. This is most useful when students have already had some mindful awareness training prior to the examination and when it is practised in mock exams first. Some schools invite students to consider a settling and grounding practice and even guide the students in a calming practice before entering the exam hall.

Research for school-based mindfulness research on adolescents is still in its early stages. However, here are two studies with promising results, especially for showing how these practices can go far beyond dealing with exam stress in helping support our students’ development of positive mental health and overall wellbeing:

• After an eight-week mindfulness training course students showed: Better focus, less distraction. Reduced self-critical thinking. (Sanger and Dorjee, 2016)

• Mindfulness training helped students stay more resilient during challenging times (e.g., sitting exams). After training, compared with the control group, students had: Fewer visits to the doctor due to mental health problems. Improved empathy. Maintained level of overall wellbeing. (Sanger et al., 2018)

And of course, what we want for our children, we need for ourselves . Bringing these wellbeing skills effectively to young people very often rests on our experience of using them for our own stress management so we can effectively share them with others – enhancing wellbeing for all!

Example Practices

Note: Once you get a feel for these practices, they can be synthesized down to just a few moments of grounding or breathing.

Hot Chocolate Breath Practice (Burke & Hawkins, 2021:74) Imagine you have a cup of hot chocolate, and it smells very good, but it is too hot to drink. As you hold it in your hands you can breathe in through your nose to smell it, and then blow very gently on it to cool it down. Careful not to splash it!

Just try that a few times now. Breathe in through the nose and blow out gently through the mouth. What did you notice?

What many people find with this type of breathing is that it calms their system down a little. You might not have noticed anything right now but try practicing this again sometime when you are already calm and see how it feels. Then you can use this breathing in moments when you are feeling anxious or upset.

Feet Seat Hands Practice (Burke & Hawkins, 2021: 62-63) We have recorded this for you so you can experience it for yourself before guiding your students ( www. mindwell-education.com/mtt-resources ).

Sit in a way that feels both relaxed and alert. Connected with the chair and the floor and also with a sense of sitting well; an uplift through the spine; the hands relaxed on the desk or lap… Allowing your eyes to look gently onto the desk or floor, or, if you feel comfortable to, allowing the eyes to close.

And now bringing your attention, like a spotlight, down to your feet. Can you just feel the feet from the inside? The socks and shoes around the feet; the connection with the floor underneath…If it helps just wiggle the toes a little and then seeing if, when they are still, you can continue to notice any sensations.

And now lightly scanning that spotlight of attention up the lower legs, and the upper legs until you can focus on the connection with the chair beneath you. The pressure through your seat on the chair, being pulled down by gravity. What does that feel like right now?

And finally, from feet, to seat to hands. Wherever your hands are now, can you shine that spotlight of attention on them as you did with the feet? How do your hands feel? Can you sense the palms of the hands? … the backs of the hands? …

See if you can bring a kind curiosity to your experience; not worrying if you can’t really feel anything right now; just doing the best you can to point the spotlight of attention on the hands. Perhaps noticing the spaces between the fingers. Any sensation of heaviness or lightness. Of warmth or coolness. Any tingling or pulsing…

And now letting go of that focus on the Feet, Seat and Hands, and becoming aware of anything else that comes to your attention… Perhaps the breath coming and going… the sense of quiet or sounds around you…

If your eyes were closed just gently opening them, noticing how you feel, notice how the room feels. Perhaps stretching a little…

Note: Finger Press (Burke & Hawkins, 2021:168) and Ground Down (Burke & Hawkins, 2021:100-1) can also be useful before and during exams.

Please feel free to contact us at any time through www.mindwell-education.com if you have any questions!

This article was co-authored with Kevin Hawkins .

Kevin has worked with adolescents and young people in various contexts for over 30 years – as teacher, school head, and social worker in the UK, Africa, and Europe. He currently lives in Valencia, Spain and was previously in the Czech Republic where for 10 years he was Middle School Principal at the International School of Prague. In 2012 he co-founded MindWell, ( mindwell-education.com ) which supports educational communities around the world in developing Awareness-Based Wellbeing through mindfulness and social-emotional learning.

Kevin is a Senior Trainer for the Mindfulness in Schools Project (UK) and a facilitator of the evidence-based CARE program (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education). He has also worked as a coach to school leaders and was lead consultant to the International Baccalaureate Organisation on SEL and mindfulness. Kevin is a regular speaker, writer and presenter on the topics of wellbeing, leadership, mindfulness and social-emotional learning in education. His first book, Mindful Teacher, Mindful School: Improving wellbeing in teaching and learning , was published by SAGE, in 2017. His second book, The Mindful Teacher’s Toolkit , written with Amy Burke for SAGE/Corwin is out now!

You can follow Kevin on Twitter @kevinjhawkins11 .

Further resources

Discover more resources to support mental health and wellbeing from Cambridge.

Watch Amy and Kevin’s contribution to our Creating the Conditions for Success conference .

Burke, A. & Hawkins, K. (2021) The Mindful Teacher’s Toolkit: Awareness-based Wellbeing in Schools. London: SAGE.

Sanger, K. and Dorjee, D. (2016) ‘Mindfulness training with adolescents enhances metacognition and the inhibition of irrelevant stimuli’. Trends in Neuroscience and Education , 5(1): 1–11.

Sanger, K., Dorjee, D., and Thierry, G. (2018) ‘Effects of school-based mindfulness training on emotion processing and well-being in adolescents: Evidence from event-related potentials’. Developmental Science , 21(5): e12646. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6175003/ (accessed on 27/7/20).

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How to use exam stress to actually IMPROVE performance and prevent burnout

You're stressed out about exams. Use that. Here's how to understand, mitigate, and even use your exam stress to improve performance and prevent burnout.

Picture the following …

It’s the Miocene epoch and you’re in a steamy swamp, dragonflies the size of lacrosse sticks thrumming past your head, and the trees around you alive with the sounds of prehistoric insects and birds. You gingerly step through the soupy water, the stench of vegetal decay in your nostrils, and the humidity hugging your skin like the cloying, unwanted advances of a tribemate.

Suddenly, there’s a crackling of wet branches to the right of you. Something is moving through the undergrowth. Something huge.

Perceiving the threat, your body kicks into gear, preparing you for fight or flight . Your brain’s hypothalamus triggers the alarm , prompting your adrenal glands to flood your body with adrenaline and cortisol, elevating your heart rate, blood pressure, and energy and suppressing all non-essential functions like your immune, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Saturated with energy and stress hormones, your body is transformed . You are faster, stronger, more agile, and ready to face or escape danger. But the toll this stress response has on your body is considerable .

Fast forward to today’s high-octane, relentlessly demanding, and fast-paced world.

The environment has changed dramatically since the Miocene epoch. The soupy swamp has now become a concrete jungle and the dragonflies are now helicopters. Saber-toothed tigers are no longer a threat to our survival. And yet, chronic stress has become a way of life (and, unfortunately, death) for the vast majority of the planet’s inhabitants.

This is because the body doesn’t distinguish between minor and major threats. A missed deadline or a looming exam releases the same cocktail of stress hormones into the body as a stalking predator. Therefore, as a student burdened with exam stress , you are at a particular risk of being compromised by your body’s primordial responses.

A suppressed digestive system may once have tipped the odds of survival in your favor, but today, it just leaves you crampy and constipated. Similarly, a suppressed reproductive system leads to all kinds of disappointments in the bedroom. And that’s just two of many impacts that chronic stress has on the body.

In this article, we’ll help you deal with exam stress (or any stress for that matter) by understanding, mitigating, and even using it to improve your performance and prevent burnout .

Here's Brainscapes 9 steps to understand exam stress , cope with it effectively, and use it to help you excel.

• Step 1: reflect and unpack
• Step 2: Chase stress down the rabbit hole
• Step 3: Get perspective on your situation
• Step 4: Put it on paper
• Step 5: Create a plan of action to deal with the problem
• Step 6: Bring in the heavy artillery: use Brainscape to study smart
• Step 7: Reroute your emotions and get psyched!
• Step 8: Get active and exercise
• Step 9: Practice gratitude

Let's dive in.

Students and exam stress: the struggle is real

In his book Anxiety in Schools , psychology professor Jerrell Cassady notes that between 25% and 40% of students experience exam stress to some extent.

You see? The struggle is real ... and you’re not alone!

The problem for students is that stress can inhibit activity in the brain’s hippocampus , which prevents the formation of conscious, deliberately learned long-term memories. This can be a substantial handicap when studying for an upcoming exam.

What’s the solution?

We here at Brainscape have found through extensive research and surveys of our student users that the most effective approach to combating exam stress is holistic management .

Examine your stress to understand it, develop an actionable plan to minimize it, use a coping mechanism that works for you (exercise, meditation, journaling, or actual therapy), and above all: study intelligently and prepare adequately for your exams!

Ultimately, nothing will relax you before an exam quite like being prepared to write it.

Steps to recognize and understand exam stress

Here’s our step-by-step guide to recognizing and dealing effectively with exam stress.

Step 1. Reflect and unpack

Stress is an insidious and sneaky opponent. You may not know just how stressed out you are until you either have a complete meltdown or blow a disgusting amount of money on something you don’t need in a bid to “make yourself feel better.” #EarlyMidlifeCrisis.

To really understand the nature of your stress, you’ve got to take some time out to introspect , even meditate on it. What’s upsetting you? Is it exam stress? Are things difficult at home? Are you struggling financially? Is it all of the above?

You can even write in a journal or talk to a friend, family member, or professional in an effort to figure it out. What’s important is that you identify your stress and its root causes. But try to do this in an objective fashion, as though you are an outsider to your problems.

Step 2. Chase stress down the rabbit hole

Once you’ve identified a stressor, chase it down the rabbit hole. Follow it through the winding warren of your subconsciousness by continually asking "why" or "who cares?":

Why are you stressed about exams? "I’m afraid of failing."

Why are you afraid of failing? "There’s so much to study and I’ve left it too late."

What happens if you fail? "I’ll get a bad grade."

Okay, that sucks but what’s so bad about that? "It’ll bring my GPA down."

Then what? "Well, then I won’t graduate with the marks I wanted."

Why does that matter? "My parents will be disappointed. Maybe I’ll have to settle for a lesser job or school. My peers won’t respect me as much."

NONE of these consequences matter that much in the grand scheme of things .

Your peers can take a long walk on a short pier, and your parents will get over it. Besides, you’re learning for yourself and to advance your own life, no one else’s. One failed test or even one failed year is not going to trip up your life’s ambitions if you are ambitious and apply yourself.

By chasing your stress down the rabbit hole, you will eventually corner it and get to see it for exactly what it is—a scared little rabbit, not some monster you should be afraid of.

Step 3. Get perspective on your situation

As we saw in the above example, chasing exam stress down the rabbit hole reveals the anticipated consequences you are stressing about, absolutely NONE of which are life-threatening . Failing or performing poorly in one exam will not set you back so far that you cannot recover. You can always rewrite an exam and/or study harder in the future.

So, armed with a more intimate understanding of your exam stress—or any other stressors in your life, whether social, professional, or financial, etc.—try to gain perspective on your situation.

Does this really matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not . More importantly: can you recover with a bit of hard work? Yes .

Then, in the immortal words of Disney princess Elsa: LET IT GO.

Besides, future jobs or grad schools evaluate you for much more than just your grades or test scores. Grades matter but not nearly as much as you think !

Steps to soothing your exam stress

Now that you’ve identified all the little and big things that are stressing you out, let’s look at how you can mitigate, overcome, or even redirect that stress to improve your performance .

Step 4. Put it on paper

Write down what’s stressing you out and then think long and hard about which of those things are in your control and which aren’t. Be specific when creating your list—say “I am stressed because … ”—and unpack major stresses into their constituent worries.

This action alone can be enough to take the distracting, corrosive thoughts out of your brain and put them onto paper. Here, they are revealed for what they most often are: a fear-stricken rabbit tearing around your brain, knocking orderly stacks of information over, and causing havoc.

If, however, the worries are slightly more malignant than that, it’s time to address them.

It’s time for a plan of action.

Step 5. Create a plan of action to deal with the problem

For the problems that are in your control, come up with an actionable plan to alleviate the stress they’re causing. Take a step-by-step approach to address the root cause of the stress, starting at a high level and reducing it to small, manageable steps.

For example: I’m stressed about my big physics exam coming up next week.

Solution: Study hard to prepare. Maybe your plan will look like this:

• Curate a distraction-free study space in your home.
• Create a detailed study schedule to plot out the topics you need to cover between now and your exam.
• Spend one hour per day learning new material.
• Spend 10 minutes per day revising old material (Braincape’s adaptive flashcards are a super convenient tool for this).
• Sacrifice an hour of Netflix every night for sleep.

... and so on.

Similar to the art of making to-do lists, simply having a tangible path to your goal (or easement of stress) is enough to reduce your anxiety, since often the biggest root cause of anxiety is uncertainty .

For a detailed read on setting yourself up for study success and avoiding procrastination, check out Brainscape’s ultimate guide to getting motivated .

Step 6. Bring in the heavy artillery: use Brainscape to study smart

We’re not including this step as a shameless plug for our totally awesome flashcard study platform. Okay, maybe a little bit. But we’re also including it because Brainscape was specifically tailored in accordance with key cognitive learning principles to empower students to study more efficiently for their exams .

In other words: you learn twice the knowledge in the same amount of time as traditional study methods.

By its very nature, Brainscape breaks big, scary learning goals down into long-term, medium-term, short-term, and very short-term goals , in the form of flashcard collections, decks, and cards. You can make the flashcards (or find flashcards ) upfront so that they are ready for you to tackle in as short or long of a study session as you like.

[Check out Brainscape’s guide to making and using flashcards to study .]

What this approach does is refocus your attention on manageable short-term goals , rather than stressing about the challenge as a whole: acing your exam.

In Brainscape, all you need to worry about is finishing this 10-flashcard "round" of studying. And then the next one, and the next one, and the next ... until you’ve taken that 0% mastery score all the way up to 100%. Hitting such small, frequent milestones will generate a constant stream of endorphins that will keep your stress levels down.

In addition to delivering study sessions in manageable bite sizes, Brainscape helps you identify which aspects of your subject you struggle with the most. Through our intelligent algorithm, Brainscape repeats the flashcards you need to review in just the right spaced intervals , so (1) your problem areas are addressed and (2) you don’t waste any time reviewing information you’re already comfortable with.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more about how Brainscape supercharges, hyper-focuses, and doubles the efficiency of your studying, click on the link! We also have some great articles on good study habits and the best tactics to cram at the last minute that you might find helpful.

Step 7. Reroute your emotions and get psyched!

Holy crap , you’re about to take the biggest exam of your life! Look how far you’ve come! You’ve achieved amazing things to get here: you’ve gotten up early every morning, slogged your tired butt to class, completed the assignments, written the tests, and tolerated your professor’s spit missiles.

This is the final test!

This is what you’ve been preparing for!

These are the positive emotions you should be focusing on; not your exam stress. You’re on the cusp of graduating to the next phase of your life, whether that’s college, getting a job, or qualifying for a job promotion ... and that’s exciting!

In the brain, fear and excitement are closely intertwined , so it’s not too much of a stretch to reframe your fear as excitement and get yourself psyched ! It turns that excitement can often be a better weapon against stress than relaxation.

Step 8. Get active and exercise

In his book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain , Dr. John J. Ratey, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, writes about the transformative effects of exercise on brain health . Specifically, he unearths strong evidence that exercise—particularly aerobic exercise—physically remodels the brain for peak performance on all fronts.

“First, [exercise] optimizes your mind-set to improve alertness, attention, and motivation ; second, it prepares and encourages nerve cells to bind to one another, which is the cellular basis for logging in new information ; and third, it spurs the development of new nerve cells from stem cells in the hippocampus.”

There’s also an enormous sense of well-being associated with exercise because it promotes the body’s secretion of endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural “feel good” neurotransmitters that make us feel energized, help us sleep better, and improve mental health.

With such a succulent smorgasbord of cognitive and stress-busting benefits, students preparing for exams should really make time to exercise daily (even while you study) .

Exercising is one sure-fire way to turn your stress into better exam performance.

Step 9. Practice gratitude

If anxiety and stress are forces that dismantle and degrade, gratitude is a force that heals . In fact, studies show that gratitude is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety and be happy .

In a Positive Psychology article titled The Neuroscience of Gratitude and How It Affects Anxiety and Grief , it is written:

“When we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for controlling emotions, and they make us feel ‘good’. They enhance our mood immediately, making us feel happy from the inside.”

So put aside just 10 minutes a day , every day, to think about all the opportunities, privileges, and people you are grateful for. Focus on really feeling the gratitude because it’s that warm, fuzzy feeling that acts as a salve to your exam stress.

Conquer your exam stress and rise to your challenge

Our bodies are bathed, on a daily basis, in a cocktail of stress hormones. This used to increase our odds of survival but now they are just decreasing our quality and quantity of life . As a student—whether in high school, college, or a continuing education program—stress caused by exams, overdue assignments, and the pursuit of good test scores can become an intolerable load to bear ... even compromising our performance and leading to burnout.

BUT this doesn’t have to be the case.

• Don’t avoid thinking about your stress as a way to cope . Acknowledge it and understand its nature so you know how to deal with it.
• Recognize what problems you can and can’t solve. For those you can, develop a plan of action to help mitigate the stress it is causing you.
• Create time for self-care and for stress-busting activities , like meditation, yoga, exercise, and practicing gratitude. Also, eat well before and during exam time !

Importantly, in conjunction with the above, STUDY and PREPARE for your exams , starting as early as possible to avoid the last-minute cram. And use Brainscape to help you onboard the required knowledge in half the time it would otherwise take you.

Remember: the most successful and confident people are simply those who have confronted and conquered the most adversity in their lives. Relish the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and use exam stress (1) as your competitive advantage, (2) to drive your personal growth, and (3) to rise to your challenge!

American Psychological Association. (2018, November 1). Stress effects on the body. http://www.apa.org/topics/stress-body

Cassady, J. C. (2010). Anxiety in schools: The causes, consequences, and solutions for academic anxieties (Vol. 2). Peter Lang.

Clay, R. A. (2011). Stressed in America. Monitor on Psychology , 42 (1), 60-61. www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/stressed-america

Kim, E. J., Pellman, B., & Kim, J. J. (2015). Stress effects on the hippocampus: a critical review. Learning & Memory , 22 (9), 411-416. https://dx.doi.org/10.1101%2Flm.037291.114

Ratey, J. J., & Hagerman, E. (Collaborator). (2008). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Little, Brown and Co.

Flashcards for serious learners .

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18 Fresh Ideas To Soothe Exam Stress PLUS What To Say To A Stressed Student

by William Wadsworth | Apr 6, 2023

by William Wadsworth

The Cambridge-educated memory psychologist & study coach on a mission to help YOU ace your exams . Helping half a million students in 175+ countries every year to study smarter, not harder. Supercharge your studies today with our time-saving, grade-boosting “genius” study tips sheet .

Studying for exams isn’t always a walk in the park. Most students find the endless revision and thoughts of exam day pretty stressful.

So don’t worry. If it’s all getting a bit much, and you’re feeling tense and scared – you’re in the right place!

We’re standing ready with a hot drink, a cool flannel and a reassuring hug, to help you tackle your anxiety, stress, fears and worries about your exams. Keep reading and you’ll find out exactly how to reduce your exam season stress and anxiety with 18 powerful stress management tips .

PLUS: A bonus for all of you out there anxious about how best to support your stressed friend or family member as they go through their exams! We’ve got 6 soothing strategies and lots of advice on what to say to comfort someone who is stressed about their exams!

Let’s dive in, and see if we can’t bring exam stress to heel for good.

Identifying symptoms of exam stress and anxiety

An important disclaimer:

I may have a degree in psychology, but I have no clinical qualifications: so none of this should be seen as medical advice. I hope to have collected a thorough and interesting list of practical suggestions for reducing exam stress and anxiety. My aim is to provide some help and support for anyone struggling with exam anxiety . If you are in any doubt about your symptoms or how you should manage them, talk to your doctor or health professional.

So what is anxiety?

We humans evolved anxiety as a response to external and internal stressors . It’s a normal and natural part of being a human.

You’ve probably heard of the “ flight or fight ” response – your body is prepared to either run from danger or tackle it head-on. You might be interested to learn there are two more “F” responses : “ freeze ”, like a rabbit in headlights, or “ flop ”, becoming suddenly submissive.

Flight, fight, freeze and flop are all healthy responses to physical dangers . When you walk through the woods at night and feel scared, jumpy and on edge, with an elevated heart rate, that’s a healthy reaction from your body to keep you safe. You’re more alert to danger, and readier to respond .

Long-term anxiety responses

But a heightened anxiety response over a long time is not ideal , particularly if we need to focus and think.

And exam anxiety is often stretched over a period of several months, ramping up to some nail-biting exam weeks. So every student with exams needs to find ways to soothe their body’s responses .

You might be able to identify with some of the following sensations. They’re classic symptoms of long-term anxiety and stress that students facing exams often feel:

How to reduce your anxiety and stress during exam season: 18 practical tips

You’re in it for the long run: until the very end of your last exam.

So it’s really important for every student with upcoming exams to equip themselves with a fully-stocked arsenal of effective anxiety management techniques !

Luckily for you, we’ve got 18 practical tips for reducing your exam stress and anxiety right here. And they tackle everything from finding calm , managing expectations and keeping perspective to staying healthy for your exams.

Let’s go relieve our stress!

Part 1: Exam stress tips for when you need to find calm

You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you. Dan Millman, self-development author

About half of college students say they felt overwhelmed with anxiety at least once in the last 12 months ( APA ). So remember, you’re not alone .

A quick note if you’re feeling a bit scared right now : try a site called Living Life To The Full – built by doctors, and offering free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy materials to help a range of issues. It has a “ panic button ” on its homepage which takes you through a series of steps to find some instant calm . Or more seriously, if you think you might be a danger to yourself or others, here’s a list of places to get help in your country .

Then when you’re feeling a little steadier, here are 5 top stress management tips to calm your exam anxieties :

1.       First, I want you to breathe … ahhh

Scientists have shown that we often think about the interplay between mind and body in emotions backwards. We intuitively think we run away from danger because we’re scared of it.

In fact, intriguing experiments  indicate that we may have got this the wrong way around: the physical reaction comes first (the running away), and the emotional response comes as a reaction to the running. (This is a simplification of a complex, nuanced debate.)

So trick your brain: make it think it should be calm .

Breathing is a great way to do this.

One breathing exercise I like is “ square breathing ”. It’s apparently taught in elite armed units, where there is often a need to find calm under conditions of extreme stress:

• Inhale for 5 counts … Hold for 5 counts
• Exhale for 5 counts … Hold for 5 counts

It’s “square” because there 4 stages of the same length, which you can imagine as travelling the four sides of a square. Breathe slow enough that you feel relaxed, but not out of breath . Depending on your lung capacity, you might want to go for more or less counts.

Regular practice with slow breathing exercises has even been shown (in this case, over a 3-month period) to improve the way your body functions .

2.       Find peace in your pace … as you walk it out

Walking is another great way to trick the brain into thinking that there’s no reason to be afraid.

A good walk can have a very soothing effect on the mind and body .

There’s something about the combination of light exercise, getting the body moving in a calm rhythm, the fresh air and (if you’re lucky enough in where you’re walking) being surrounded by nature of some sort – birds, trees, grass – that helps stress melt away.

And as a side benefit, walking is also said to give you a boost to creativity and problem-solving . Charles Darwin apparently thought out his Theory of Evolution on a series of long walks. The short walk I take every morning is when I come up with some of my best ideas or structure my existing thoughts better. There’s good research evidence  from Stanford researchers that Darwin and I are not alone in finding that a walk boosts our creativity . Check out this TED talk from the same researcher, Marily Oppezzo too.

So you’ll come back to your desk calmer, maybe with fresh ideas and inspiration to bring to your work.

3.       Practise being mindful … to learn to quieten your mind

Mindfulness is the art of being focused in the moment . It’s being able to still the incessant chatter of our brain and have it rest in the present, not ruminate on the past or dream / worry about the future.

An ideal way to practise mindfulness is meditation , which has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, high achievers in all walks of life – from businesspeople to athletes – find that meditation brings them more emotional balance, less stress, and more focus , among other things.

To find out more or begin your meditation journey, there are some good apps you can get started on for free. But I personally wholeheartedly recommend Headspace .*

It’s my go-to app for a daily dose of calm – I’ve been using Headspace for years, typically most days. I also recommend it to many of my coaching clients and at talks in school .

Headspace has some fantastic stuff specifically for students, including exam stress and test-taking anxiety . They’ve also got some wonderful sections on content ( stories / soundscapes ) to help you sleep, and even curated focus music playlists. Even better, you can click here to get started with Headspace for free.*

4.       Have a calm kit to hand … for the perfect stress antidotes

If you’re someone who struggles with stress regularly, then this exam stress management tip could be perfect for you.

A “calm kit” is a little home-made collection of items that you know will help to steady and soothe you , and reduce your stress, all in a handy portable box.

What you include is personal. So take some time to think about things that make an instant wave of calm or joy wash over you. But here are some ideas:

• Some photos of favourite happy or silly memories to make you chuckle and remind you of the world beyond the library
• Something soft and furry to hold, if you’re not lucky enough to have a real live pet on standby
• Something sweet (and chocolatey?) to eat
• Your favourite calming or uplifting song on an old iPod (perfect for a dance break)
• A few bags of your favourite herbal tea
• A message of encouragement from some of your favourite people – they know you can do it!
• Some uplifting and inspirational quotes (about exams, stress or making progress) to perk you up

5.       Share what’s going on for you … because opening up can be really helpful

Is there a friend or family member who you can off-load to? You’re looking for someone who makes you feel warm and safe , and who will have the time for you when you need it.

Talking things through – all your frustrations about revision, subjects you’re struggling with, fears about exam day – with people you trust can be a great way to cope with your exam anxiety.

That’s because it offers a great balance between a) bottling up and suppressing how you feel (not good) and b) melting down before the whole world (also not good).

Sharing your feelings can help you to regain a sense of control over your emotions. This allows you to come to terms with things and consider different perspectives on your problems .

The purpose of talking isn’t to solve all your problems . You probably won’t get many, or even any, solutions from a good conversation about how you’re feeling, but don’t worry. Just the act of talking everything over can be very therapeutic.

What if that’s not an option?

If you’re not lucky enough to have someone like that in your life, consider seeking out a listening service . Maybe your school or university campus has a counsellor or listening line. Or try one of the free, non-judgemental listening lines  that exist around the world.

And of course, you may decide you need to take this to its next logical step, and see a professional counsellor or therapist for more specialist support . If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your school / college nurse, or your family doctor.

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Part 2: Exam anxiety tips for when you ask too much from yourself

I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself Arianna Huffington, co-founder of the Huffington Post

One of the biggest causes of exam stress and anxiety is expecting too much of yourself .

Strong students often have very high standards for themselves. A history of achieving well, often causes students to push themselves to maintain or even exceed past successes .

Alternatively, you might feel you’re getting left behind by your classmates, feeling under pressure to catch up . Again, you might push yourself harder and harder to deliver these results.

A bit of incentive to work is no bad thing in moderation, as part of a balanced lifestyle. But it’s easy to let things spin out of control, so use these next four tips to keep your exam prep and expectations realistic and healthy :

6.       Manage expectations … … and cut them down to size where you need to

It’s helpful to take a moment to size up where the expectations are coming from, so you can act accordingly.

Are you holding yourself to the high exam prep standards or grade expectations currently causing you stress? Or are you feeling pressure from your teachers, friends, significant other, classmates, parents … and/or others?

Here’s an effective exercise to help you reduce your exam stress and anxiety : but you’ve got to be honest with yourself!

Combating exam stress: Activity 1

Simply grab a piece of paper, and create a chart of the people you think have expectations (yourself included!), what they are, whether they are realistic, and how much you care about what they think.

Here’s what it might look like:

Now take a critical look at each row of your table:

• If the expectations are realistic, great.
• If the expectations are unrealistic but you don’t really care what that person thinks, that’s also OK.
• But where the expectations are unrealistic AND you care about what that person thinks, you’ve got the biggest problems. Mark these with a star.

For the starred rows, consider having a conversation with the person in question . Explain the situation, and the counterproductive consequences their expectations are having on you:

• “I think you want me to achieve [x] and that makes me feel [y], which is making it harder to get my work done”

In my experience, these conversations usually go well. If they care about you and your success, then they will want to do what they can to help.

The worst culprit of all for unrealistic expectations can often be ourselves . If that’s the case, try tips 10-13 about keeping things in perspective. And don’t be afraid to cut your goals down if it will take a weight off your shoulders and let you study in a calmer, more positive frame of mind.

7.       Don’t compare yourself to others … become an island

No man is an island, but there’s something to be said for becoming one during exam season – at least in terms of reducing any exam stress and anxiety about your study progress .

Now, I don’t mean cutting off social ties!

You should still have study groups and collaborate on understanding topics and solving problems, of course.

I just mean that when you hang out with your course-mates, you don’t let them talk about how many hours of studying everyone is doing . Or brag about the progress they’re making, unless you find that sort of thing spurs you on. ( Personally, I hated this sort of thing, and come exam time, would actively avoid friends I knew couldn’t help but have these conversations !)

And if you’re smart about revision, you’ll know that studying effectively isn’t about putting in the most hours anyway. It’s about using the right techniques to maximise your memory for exams.

Just remember that the only person you should be comparing yourself to is who you were yesterday , or last week, and how you’ve progressed since then.

8.       Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed … all you can ask of yourself is that you do your best

Many students struggling with exam stress or anxiety become overwhelmed and end up too stressed to work (or can work, but is very unhappy about the process).

And that’s exactly what we want to avoid. It won’t help you to prepare confidently for your exams or find the motivation to keep studying .

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your revision to-do list, take a deep breath (like Tip #1) and try one of these three strategies:

• Block out the bigger picture for now (it’s not helpful) and zoom in on something that feels manageable
• Focus in on that small area of what you need to achieve. Try to make some tangible progress on that area first … and then keep taking baby steps. Congrats: you’ve found your momentum!
• Don’t let a mountain-sized goal give you altitude sickness. Check out our guide on how to set realistic study goals for more info, but here’s the TL:DR:
• While you want to be stretching yourself, you don’t want to stretch so far that you snap. If your goals are too lofty, consider reigning them in.
• Make sure the mini-goals you set each day are 100% in your control to deliver. “Process goals” are perfect for that.
• Think in terms of the time you’re going to spend on something, not on what you want to achieve.

9.       And learn the magic word … “NO”!

It’s natural to want to say yes to everything that comes our way.

Carpe diem! Live life to the full! YOLO! FOMO! Don’t want to let anyone down-o!

But – oh no ! – before you know it, your schedule is rammed, you have too many plates spinning, and things start to fall. It’s a recipe for an overwhelming exam season.

So, learn to say NO. Keep your schedule realistic , with plenty of time for studying, sleep and rest .

Be strategic in the invitations you accept, the extra classes you go to, the hobby projects you undertake. Focus on the things you think will either a) have the biggest impact on your long-term life goals or, b) give you the greatest happiness and fulfilment in the here and now.

Less can sometimes be more . Better to have a more manageable schedule, do the things on it well, and feel good about life, don’t you think?

Part 3: Exam stress tips for when things get out of perspective

The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective. Al Neuharth, businessman and newsman

Our next set of student stress management tips are all about keeping things in focus, and not letting the way you’re looking at things spin out of control.

So use these next four tips to remind yourself of the world outside your exam stress and anxiety:

10.    Remember: your exams are only a tiny proportion of what makes you amazing

As Exam Study Expert readers, you’re all rounded, complicated, messy, unique and brilliant people , with more talents and quirks than I can possibly imagine.

I know that’s true. You should all know it too.

So, don’t think for a moment that the results of an exam:

• Measure your quality as a person (they can’t)
• Demonstrate your self-worth (they don’t)
• Define who you are and what you will be (they won’t)

Ask yourself “ What makes me amazing? “, and remember all your qualities that have nothing to do with your studies :

• Your humour and good-naturedness
• Your kindness and humanity
• The people you make smile
• The talents you have on the sports pitch, the stage, the music room; in words or in paint

What’s an exam got on any of that?

11.    Don’t forget: academia is not the only route to success

One of my favourite tricks for getting students fired up and motivated is to ask you to come up with a list of reasons   why your studies are super-important to you . What they mean for your plans for the future.

But I’ll let you into a little secret . There are lots of routes to success, happiness and fulfilment, and many of them are not academic.

Entrepreneurship. Creative success. A chance offer via an old contact. A hobby turned into a career. Life will throw you its share of opportunity if you keep your mind open to it.

I don’t know what your belief system or life philosophy is, but I’ve found it comforting to feel that everything happens for a reason . So, if you don’t achieve your study goals, and find yourself on a different path than the one you intended, perhaps there’s something even better down that path that you can’t even imagine .

12.    You should: confront your fears before they confront you

Legendary author and entrepreneur Tim Ferris  teaches an exercise called “ fear setting ”, which he adapted from even more legendary Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger , and which I’m going to adapt for you again today.

The idea is that we can bring our fears to heel by meeting them head-on, and carefully rationalising the implications of the outcomes we worry about .

Here’s how my “ fear setting for students ” version goes:

Combating exam stress: Activity 2

Gran a piece of paper, and divide it into two columns.

• On the left write down all of your worst fears about the consequences of not hitting your study goals
• On the right, think through all the options that you could actually do if that scenario came to pass.

Here’s an example I made up to show you the sort of thing I mean:

With a bit of luck, spending some time digging into your fears should reveal that they’re not quite so scary after all . In fact, some outcomes may even have a silver lining.

This technique has been tried and tested over thousands of years, and has been found time and time again to be effective by those who use it . So if exam anxiety is holding you back, I urge you to set aside half an hour to work through this exercise properly.

13.    I recommend: having alternative ways to succeed every day

… so that if one goal isn’t going how you intended, there are others you can still take pride in .

I think there are three main ways to achieve this in studying:

• Don’t just do the same thing all day. Mix it up and look at different subjects or disciplines. If one’s not going well, hopefully you can still take satisfaction from progress in a different area .
• And you might benefit from “ interleaving ” if you’re studying maths or science .
• Like simply sticking to your routine! You may have had a ‘mare of a day trying to get your head around something, or been writing at a painfully slow rate, but at least you can take pride in how you stuck to the schedule and worked for however many hours you’d planned.
• Maybe you’ve got a side goal to do with advancing your fitness goals or practising a skill or talent .

Once you’ve diversified your goals , you’re no longer putting all your eggs in one basket. So, if things aren’t going quite to plan in one area one day and you’re feeling the weight of exam stress and panic, you can still take comfort from the fact that you’re making progress in another area.

Part 4: Exam anxiety tips for when you forget to look after yourself properly

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Reinhold Niebuhr, theologian

(Thanks Reinhold: I’ve always loved that quote, and it seems perfect for reducing (exam) stress and anxiety!)

For the final section of exam stress management tips, it’s all about self-care.

It’s tempting to overlook the need for self-care when you’re worrying about your studies and those looming upcoming exams. But as the exam stress levels creep up, it only gets more important that you continue to look after yourself.

So take these final five exam stress tips on board and keep your mind and body in peak condition for handling everything that exam season throws at you:

14.    Make proper space in your life for quality rest and relaxation time…

None of us is a robot. You can’t work all day every day for weeks on end without slowing down, or even grinding to a halt altogether . You need to take time out to catch your breath.

And I don’t just mean 10-minute breaks for a cup of tea, or an hour out to grab some lunch.

I mean making a deliberate and guilt-free decision to walk away from your desk for an extended period to let your hair down a bit. Maybe give yourself Sundays off, or never work past 6pm, or take 3 afternoons a week out – or all three!

This is your time. Do things that help you let go and refresh your body and soul:

• Socialise with friend s
• Make music or dance
• Walk in nature
• Play video or board games
• Watch your favourite TV show
• Read a book

Make it quality time : if you’re settling down to read or watch TV, make sure it’s a book / show you love. Plan ahead to help with this: pre-record your favourite shows, have a cracking book ready to go on your shelf, or have a date with a friend in the diary .

This is your treat time – enjoy it.

15.    When it comes to your body, you get out what you put in

Make sure you’re doing the right thing in terms of a balanced, nutritious diet : plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, staying well hydrated. You know the drill: but it’s easy for a student under lots of exam stress to forget to take care of the basics.

In particular, watch for caffeine . Anxiety is essentially a state of heightened arousal, and caffeine only serves to increase that arousal further, which may not be productive.

If you’re medicating with caffeine because you’re not sleeping well, try (as best you can) to fix the problem at its source and get a better night’s sleep (see tip 18).

Maintaining a good exercise routine has also been shown to significantly reduce  students’ anxiety about upcoming tests, so go get a sweat on! If you’re not a natural athlete, find something you enjoy: a weekly game of badminton, or a swim in a lake, or even a regular hike in the hills.

16.    Celebrate your successes with a well-deserved pat on the back every day

If you’re making progress ( even – perhaps especially – if it’s not as fast as you’d like ) it’s vital you pause from time to time to recognise what you’re achieving :

• Be sure to mark your progress against the list and enjoy the feeling of gradually working through it all.
• Keep it glass half-full: don’t get overwhelmed by how much there is to do, focus on where you’ve come from and the fact you’re moving in the right direction .
• Positive self-talk can feel a bit silly if you’ve never done it before, but many people swear by it.
• Some people adopt a regular journaling habit , which includes acknowledging what was achieved in the past day and setting mini-goals and priorities for the day ahead.

17.    Practise gratefulness for the good things in your life

Even when life sucks, the act of saying “ thank you ” and acknowledging what there is to be grateful for is a good way to stay positive .

So remember to say “ thank you ” for the good things, big and small, important and everyday: even ( especially ) if not everything feels rosy and you’re having a rough time with exam season stress and anxiety.

Do a happy dance, and groove around the room – go on, I dare you!

When you’re stressed and it feels like the world doesn’t care, it can be difficult to think of things to be thankful for ! If it’s difficult to find gratitude, perhaps you’re most in need of trying. Maybe you find at least a little comfort from your exam stress in:

• A particular person who makes you feel safe and happy
• A pleasant place
• A pleasing piece of art or architecture you pass regularly
• A nearby calming natural space: a tree, a pond, a stream
• The food you have enjoyed today
• The music you love listening to right now
• The personal abilities and qualities you quietly know you have

Some people incorporate gratefulness into their daily journaling habit , so they always start or finish the day with a ritual of finding thankfulness, no matter how tough things are getting.

18.    Sleep well: finish early for the evening to help get a good night’s sleep

If you’re working right up to bedtime, chances are, you won’t get to sleep for all the study thoughts buzzing and fizzing around your brain. We don’t want that.

Getting plenty of sleep is crucial for being able to study effectively and keeping your memory in tip-top condition for your exams. So, try and knock off at least an hour before you actually want to go to sleep .

If you’ve been operating at high intensity during the day, you might be feeling the need to unwind and decompress. So develop a good night-time routine : take a warm bath, read something restful, listen to some calming tunes, and maybe have a soothing hot drink – something without caffeine like herbal tea .

Sleeping well is especially important if you’re trying to learn and memorise lots of information: you’ve might have heard we consolidate memories in our sleep , and it’s absolutely true. So, make sure you create the time in your schedule to get a peaceful night and don’t skip the slumber.

What to say to comfort someone who is stressed about exams: advice for parents and friends

What can you say to a student in the throes of an exam stress panic? How do you comfort them effectively?

It’s easy to feel stuck on the outside of a panic zone, especially if you’re far away from the student in question, with only your phone to help.

So to help you help your stressed student, here are my top six recommendations for practical, comforting activities and what to say:

Whether you live together, nearby or far apart : in today’s world of video calls you can do almost all of these activities together. So let’s go comfort some stressed students!

1.      Ask them what they need right now

Don’t assume that you know best what your stressed ball of teenager needs right now: ask them !

We’re all different, and whilst some people might want to share their exam stress and fears over a hot drink , others might just prefer some quiet company whilst they take a fresh air break .

Or, perhaps the best thing you can offer is their favourite home-cooked meal this evening, and some company for a cheesy film . Because taking well-deserved breaks to unwind is a crucial part of every effective study schedule !

And if your student is too stressed to know what they need, point them in the direction of this article. Why not offer to work through some of the exam stress activities above together?

Above all though, don’t be pushy. You know your teens and friends well. It might be difficult but try to support them in a way that’s all about them (not about you).

2.      Look after their needs (especially when they’re in the study zone)

This one goes hand-in-hand with my suggestions from Part 4, right above. One of the best ways to comfort and support someone who is stressed about their exams is to make sure they are looking after themselves .

To be effective at studying, revision and exams it’s really important that your student “ sharpens the wheel ” – i.e. keeps ALL their tools in optimum condition. And that means:

• Eating well, with a balanced healthy diet : make sure they’re not skipping meals with gentle reminders – and steaming bowls of tasty food.
• Encourage a healthy evening routine: stopping revision with plenty of time to unwind before bed, and getting a full 8-10 hours sleep, especially the night before exams!
• So why not get outside with your friend or teen, and keep them company – it’s a double win for their needs!
• It’s another great way to ensure they’re not keeping their exam stress secretly bottled up and that they’re getting enough socialising time.

3.      Let them unburden their worries on your shoulder

One of our top pieces of advice for stressed students is to share their exam stress (you might have spotted this above!).

So, let your stressed friends and teens know that your shoulder is wide open and available:

• For a cathartic sob : keep the tissues handy and remind them that these exams are not the end of the world
• As a camping ground for enacting practical calming strategies (check out the list above!)
• For comforting, gentle hair-stroking and a big old hug
• To lean up against theirs whilst you do try out a Headspace mindfulness meditation together
• For a Q & A retrieval practice revision session – be the ultimate encouraging study partner, and put their exam fears aside by quizzing them on their knowledge

If you’re getting worried about how challenging your friends or family are finding their exams, or about their anxiety and stress levels, it could be a good idea for them to talk to a professional .

Now, that might be a mental health professional or one of their teachers, depending on what kind of help and support they need right now. Be gentle – this can be a hard topic to broach, but remind them that there’s no shame here.

4.      Become a pro study buddy

There are plenty of ways to comfort and support your student by helping them to study effectively – whether you’re a friend, sibling or parent!

A key part of the following suggestion is knowing specifically what’s worrying them about their exams . Once you’ve gathered that info, you can help by making their exams feel more manageable:

• Noisy siblings or friends? Noise-cancelling headphones ** could be the perfect gift for a calm, stress-free revision environment.
• Quizzing them on the subjects they feel most worried about – why not help them set up simple flashcards for revising with the Leitner method ?
• Finding past papers for them , and helping to grade the papers afterwards
• This is a great way for students who are stressed about performing on the day to face their fears
• Encouraging setting up an effective study routine – it’s all about finding balance and avoiding excess stress.

5.      Tell them you’re there if they need you, throughout exam season

Ensure that you make time for your stressed friend, sibling or child throughout their exam season.

One of the best ways to follow through on this promise is to ask your friend  or teen “ can I have a copy of your exam timetable? ”.

It might be that you offer to take them to the exam hall and / or be waiting afterwards . If that’s not possible, with a copy of their exam timetable you’ll know when to call or text with good luck , words of encouragement and to let them know you’re thinking of them!

I’m sure you have a busy life too, full of your own stresses and work / studies – but be flexible. This is an important time for your friend or family member.

6.      Remind your friend or teen of their worth

Exam results do not determine anyone’s worth! It’s a delicate balance:

It might not seem like it to students in the midst of exam stress and panic, but these exams are not the end of the world. And yet, these exams are likely one of the most stressful things your student has ever dealt, complete with higher stakes than ever before.

So don’t forget to do these three important things to comfort someone who is stressed about their exams:

• Remind your friends and teens ( as obviously as you need to get the message through !) that you’re still going to love them , even if these exams don’t go to plan.
• Try out one of my exam stress activities above (#4). Consider the pressure your own expectations are putting on your student . Encouragement to pursue a top university or high-powered career path can feel a lot like pressure when it comes to exam crunch time.
• Tell your friend or teen what you admire about them (leave exams out of it!), and how much you value your relationship . Remind them of a silly time you had together recently!

Why not help them plan out an exciting Plan B? Having a safety net is great reassurance that there’s still a life ahead for them even if they don’t get the grades.

Recap: what to say to someone who is stressed about exams

Still not sure what to actually say ?

Perhaps you’ve typed and erased a message several times already, and feel like “ It’s gonna be OK ” just won’t cut it? Or you’ve said something you thought would be helpful, and instead it’s all slammed bedroom doors and stomping feet?

If you’ve taken all the advice above on board you, might already have sent a comforting text – or given a big hug.

But if you’re still not sure exactly what to tell someone who is stressed about their exams, why not try one of these to start with:

• “It sounds like you need a break. What would you prefer to do right now: wild dances together to your favourite song, or sit outside together for 15 mins and chill?”
• “Don’t forget that you’re still my favourite _____ and I love you, no matter what happens in your exam!”
• “Would you like to talk about it?”
• “I’ve heard mindfulness and meditation really help with stress and anxiety. Do you want to try out a video together? It might be fun!”
• “Let’s go for a quick walk! You tell me about your exam worries and I’ll tell you mine”
• “That sounds really hard and stressful. How about I quiz you on _____ later, then we can watch a movie?”
• “Don’t forget to take some deep breaths and then take a break!”
• “Have you talked to your teacher about how much you’re struggling with [topic]? Would it help if you got a tutor to support you with this exam?”

Quotes about exam stress to uplift every anxious student

Looking for some epic, inspiring or stirring quotes to pull you out of your exam stress funk?

We’ve featured a few on this page, which you might have noticed, from famous minds: authors Dan Milman and Arianna Huffington, businessman Al Neuharth, and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr.

But if they’ve not quite calmed your mind, why not browse one of our five popular quote collections? I recommend you start with inspirational exam quotes, which have been curated with exam stress in mind!

• 49 Inspirational Exam Quotes – perfect for stressed students with deadlines looming
• 41 Study Motivation Quotes – great for getting fired up for a study session
• 70 Empowering Quotes about Procrastination – ideal for all of us who put things off!
• 55 Uplifting Quotes about Making Progress – just what you need when there’s lots to do
• 63 Growth Mindset Quotes – perfect for getting into the ideal study mindset

And as an added bonus, you can grab all 41 inspiring quote posters from these articles, perfect for printing in any size up to A2 (which is pretty big!) – and all on a pay-as-you-feel model to suit any budget. Time to get decorating your study space?

Feeling better?

I hope so. With any luck, you can deploy these tips and exercises to help dramatically reduce the exam stress and anxiety you feel in the lead-up to your exams. Or at least, subdue it for long enough to get some work done.

And if you’re looking for more exam tricks, tips and techniques to smooth the path to exam success, I’ve got just the book you need: Outsmart your Exams !** It’s full of science and advice to keep your exam stress at bay. Perfect!

Wishing you the very best of success in your exams: you’ve got this!

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Thanks for such fantastic content. It was beneficial. This helped me ace my tests.

Thank you! I don’t know what makes me stressed and anxious before exams. I study hard and really learn the material, repeat a lot, and practice at home, and show good results. But during the exam, I forget everything, and panic comes. I am epileptic and excessive panic and anxiety provoke seizures more often than usual. I would like to remember these tips and apply them. Breathing practice is a good technique to calm myself. It gives me time to concentrate. https://twu.edu/mtsc/resources-for-test-anxiety-study-skills-and-time-management/ What do you think about these articles about techniques of soothing and avoiding stress? The University Support Department advised me on these resources. The winter exam season is coming soon and I really do not want to repeat my failures again.

Hi Anna – exam stress is fairly common, but that sounds like a particularly rough position to be in. I took a look at some of the links on the page you mentioned in your comment. I think some of the linked resources are quite good (if a little long / overwhelming!), others aren’t great, to be honest. I do have some thoughts / ideas for you – but perhaps we could pick up the conversation over email? Just go to https://examstudyexpert.com/contact/ and say “hi” and I’d be happy to talk in a bit more detail 🙂

I am still worried

Studying can be really stressful – you’re not alone. If you want more help, feel free to drop me an email with a bit more background: what you’re studying, where, and what is it that you worry about the most. I’d be happy to make some more personalised suggestions that could help. https://examstudyexpert.com/about/contact/

its really very informative. its wonderful effort no doubt to release stress.

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How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety during Exams

“My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.” – Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. 

The experience of exam stress is something we all share before, during, and even after exams. Despite thorough preparation, there’s a twinge of anxiety that often creeps in with questions like, "Have I covered everything?" or, "What if I can't recall these important points?" This shared experience ties together students and a myriad of others, all facing stress during significant exams or tests. While exam stress in students is completely normal, the pressure to perform well can lead to anxiety, decreased focus, and sometimes even burnout . Moreover, it can take a toll on one’s mental and physical well-being.

From mindful preparation and organized study schedules to physical activities and relaxation techniques, here are a range of strategies that can help you navigate challenging exam periods with a greater sense of calm and confidence.

Ways to overcome test anxiety - The conventional ways

1. plan and organize.

Before diving into your study session, ensure you have all the essential materials and sources at hand. Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable segments and assign dedicated time slots to tackle each one. Having a structured plan can make studying feel more manageable and reduce last-minute cramming. As an alternative, you could also experiment with time management methods to significantly improve your study sessions.

2. Try Relaxation Techniques

Integrate awareness exercises such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to enhance your daily routine. These methods will effectively soothe your mind, ease test anxiety, and improve your overall focus. For instance, the Mindfulness app on your Apple Watch can help you set aside a few minutes a day to focus on deep breathing, which could lower blood pressure and stress levels significantly.

Moreover, prioritize getting sufficient sleep to ensure that your brain functions optimally during both study sessions and exams.

3. Maintain a Balanced Diet

As rightly put by the saying, "You are what you eat," a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in reducing exam stress. Nourish yourself with mind-enhancing foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. While caffeine undoubtedly heightens alertness and concentration, scientific evidence has proven its potential to disrupt sleep patterns and trigger irritability. Choose more wholesome foods such as herbal teas and fruits to foster well-being.

4. Exercise Regularly

A healthy body lays the foundation for a sound mind. Engaging in daily physical activity naturally reduces exam stress. Make regular exercise a part of your routine, whether through jogging, yoga, or following a quick workout plan. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which are known for their mood-enhancing and stress-reducing properties.

5. Limit Distractions

While social media platforms and smartphones are great sources of entertainment, they also prove to be one of the biggest sources of distraction, especially during stressful periods like exams. Moreover, research indicates that excessive phone usage and extensive engagement with social media can adversely affect your mental health.

To maintain a healthier technological relationship and better mental well-being, set limits on your screen time, take breaks from social media, and participate in other stress-relief activities, especially during exam periods.

6. Avoid Discussing with Peers

While engaging in discussions can act as an effective method to understand difficult concepts and revise information with your peers, at times, it can also imply that the material or resources your friend has covered might still be unfamiliar to you. This situation can potentially contribute to the stress of having a backlog of topics yet to be explored by you. It's important to keep in mind that each individual learns at a pace and in a style that suits them best , and staying true to your own learning pace and style will help you achieve better results.

7. Try Different Learning Strategies

Effective learning strategies can significantly reduce the stress associated with exams, enhance your preparation, and boost your confidence.

Methods like the blurting technique, the Feynman approach, the Leitner system, and more, stand as examples. Always remember that consistency is key; finding the perfect blend of strategies that align with your strengths will definitely contribute to achieving successful outcomes.

Tips to reduce exam stress - The unconventional ways

The points mentioned above might be familiar to you, but there are some other interesting ways to significantly reduce exam tension or stress. They all involve one important thing though: not thinking about exams, for a while at least. Here are some creative suggestions that can help you manage exam stress:

1. Dark Chocolate 

Just as Professor Lupin offers Harry Potter chocolate after facing a dementor (exams can be as scary as one!), eating chocolate, especially a dark one, can help with exam stress.  

Research shows that eating dark chocolate reduces stress hormones and improves memory significantly. Dark chocolate might have an impact on stress hormones like cortisol, potentially leading to a temporary reduction in stress levels. However, the benefits of dark chocolate are generally thought to be most significant when it is consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Express Through Art

Immerse yourself in activities that bring you solace, such as writing down your thoughts, journaling , playing a soothing musical instrument , singing, or perhaps painting. Engaging in things you enjoy and are passionate about can create numerous positive effects on your mental and emotional well-being, helping to manage and reduce exam stress in the process.

3. Virtual Reality Escapes

VR experiences can offer a way to distract yourself and escape from the real world. Immersing yourself in a captivating VR environment can divert your attention from stressors and negative thoughts, allowing you to concentrate on something enjoyable and novel.

4. Create a Stress-relief Playlist

Music has been proven to have various psychological and physiological effects, including its ability to positively impact mood, emotions, and stress levels. Research has shown that listening to classical music such as solo piano pieces, Mozart sonatas, calming compositions and similar gentle music can have positive effects on focus, concentration and mood. 

So, put on a playlist of your favorite soothing music that uplifts your spirits!

Additionally, you can even explore brown noises. Brown noises are basically deep rumbling sounds that resemble the low-frequency sounds of a waterfall or thunder. Studies have shown listening to specific noise types, including brown noise, might have potential benefits in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

5. Spend Time with Animals

Spending time with animals can often reduce stress and have positive effects on mental well-being. Interacting with animals can trigger the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "bonding hormone.” Oxytocin is associated with feelings like happiness, trust, and social bonding, which can ease stress and anxiety. Whether it’s spending time with your own pets or visiting an animal shelter, animals have a way of bringing joy and comfort.

6. Guided Imagery

Guided imagery involves using your imagination to create calming and soothing mental scenarios, such as imagining peaceful scenes, events, or objects. Engaging in guided imagery encourages your body's relaxation response by shifting your emotional state towards a more positive one.

7. Exercise your Brain Differently

Engaging in puzzles and games can divert your attention away from the sources of stress. They provide a mental break and allow you to focus on something enjoyable and challenging, such as solving puzzles, tackling brain teasers, or playing strategy games. Switching your focus to a different type of mental challenge can break the cycle of exam-related stress.

Exams may be challenging, but by implementing these strategies, you can effectively reduce exam anxiety and improve your overall performance to a great extent. Remember that it's normal to experience some level of stress before exams, but with proper planning, self-care, and a positive mindset, you can tackle exams with confidence and success. Best of luck!

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Exam stress

On this page:, signs and symptoms of exam stress, causes of exam stress, strategies that can help, additional resources.

Exam stress is the feeling of tension and worry that comes from test-taking situations. It is normal to feel some stress about upcoming tests, exams, papers or presentations. Indeed, a small amount of stress can challenge you and stimulate you to work harder. Exam stress becomes problematic when it interferes with your ability to perform and achieve your academic and learning goals.

Below are some signs that indicate you may be experiencing exam stress:

• Physical signs include a fast heartbeat, tense muscles, headache, sweating, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth and difficulty sleeping.
• Behavioural signs include fidgeting, nail biting, and increased smoking, drinking or eating.
• Mental and emotional signs include difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, "going blank," worry, and uncontrolled feelings of fear, dread or helplessness.

Exam stress can develop for many different reasons. Knowing the reason(s) for your stress helps you identify strategies to manage it. Causes can be placed into four main categories:

1. Lifestyle issues

• Inadequate sleep
• Poor nutrition
• Stimulant use (e.g., caffeine, energy drinks)
• Insufficient exercise
• Not scheduling available time
• Not prioritizing commitments

2. Information needs

• Lack of exam-taking strategies
• Lack of academic information (e.g., course requirements, lecturers' expectations, exam dates and exam location)
• Lack of knowledge of how to apply stress reduction techniques while studying, before an exam and during an exam

3. Poor studying styles

• Inefficient studying (e.g., inconsistent content coverage, trying to memorize the textbook, binge studying, all-night studying)
• Ineffective studying (e.g., reading without understanding, cannot recall the material, not making study/review notes, not studying/reviewing)

4. Psychological factors

• Feeling little or no control over the exam situation
• "I am not smart enough."
• "I’ll get a terrible grade."
• "I won’t pass this exam."
• "I can't do this."
• Irrational thinking about exams and outcomes
• "If I don’t pass, my family/boyfriend/girlfriend/friends will lose respect for me."
• "I will never get a degree."
• "I have to get at least an A or I am worthless."
• "I’ll fail no matter what I do — there’s no point."

The most effective way to reduce exam stress combines skill-focused approaches (e.g., building your study skills) with behaviour or cognitive approaches (e.g., learning stress management strategies).

When you have identified the cause of your exam stress, you need to ask additional questions to help you decide what intervention will be most helpful. For example, if you recognize that you were not sufficiently prepared, ask yourself:

• Why was I not prepared? Was it because I did not have enough time to study? Did I not understand the material?
• If I did not have sufficient time, why not? Because of other course work, family responsibilities, a job, watching television?

You can see how critical it is to thoroughly examine the causes of your experience! How you address your experience of exam stress will be very different, depending upon what you discover. Some ways to reduce exam stress include:

Improve your study and exam-taking skills

Effective preparation for an exam requires going beyond reading the material several times and making notes. There are numerous study and exam-taking skills you can develop and use to help you succeed. Concordia's Student Learning Services offers a great deal of support that includes:

• skill-building workshops
• individual, tailored counselling with Learning Specialists
• helpful information on the Student Learning Services website

Change negative thinking patterns

Some people see exams as a threat and thoughts about them are predominantly negative ones. These include thoughts like:

• "I don't understand this stuff."
• "I'm sure to fail this stupid exam."
• "What was I thinking when I took this course?"

These negative thoughts can lead to stress. Switching to a positive frame of mind can help to reduce stress. Pay close attention to your thoughts. When you hear yourself thinking negatively before or during an exam, stop and actively take a new perspective.

A technique called cognitive restructuring can be helpful in changing ineffective thinking. Learn more about cognitive restructuring here.

Learn to relax

Stress can affect you physically by creating tension in your body. Many people find that applying relaxation techniques is beneficial. The simplest of these techniques is deep breathing. One technique is to slowly and deeply inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold the breath for a count of seven and then exhale slowly though pursed lips for a count of eight. Do this four times in a row. With each exhalation, imagine your worries leaving your body. Do this a couple of times while studying, as well as before and during your exam to release tension.

Other relaxation techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga and Tai-chi. Learn more about relaxation techniques here.

Talk things out with a professional

Some people find it difficult to identify the root of their stress and could benefit by speaking with a mental health professional. At Concordia, Counselling and Psychological Services offers appointments with professionals where students can explore the factors related to their exam stress and find ways to overcome them.

Engage in healthy behaviours

Eating healthfully , engaging in regular physical activity , avoiding tobacco and other positive health behaviours contribute to better health, which helps to buffer against the effects of stress.

For more information, explore the variety of health topics on the Health Services website or speak to a Health Promotion Specialist .

• Information from Concordia University to help with exam stress: The Exams page has "all the information you need to ace your exams". Set yourself up for success by getting familiar with scheduling, rules and study tools.
• Exam Anxiety Workshop is a video that provides a comprehensive look at exam stress and strategies to manage it
• Crash Course Study Skills is a YouTube playlist with 11 videos about study skills such as note taking, studying for exams and test anxiety
• Mastering Exam Anxiety  resources from Athabasca University

© Concordia University

7 Stress Management Tips For Students Writing Exams

• April 5, 2019

Need some stress management tips? Exam season is the most stressful time of year for university and college students. While some students excel at this type of test format, many don’t, and it’s not hard to see why. Studies have shown exams are not an efficient way to test a student’s knowledge. Unfortunately, exams are still used to determine 25% or more of a student’s final grade. For this reason, it’s important that students go into their exams as prepared and calm as possible. Easier said than done, right?

We’ve previously covered the best study hacks to help students prepare for exams. Today, we’re going to focus more on mental health and discuss 7 stress management tips for students writing exams.

Go For a Walk

Keeping your head down focused on your studies is a great way to prepare for exams … as long as you remember to take breaks. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to go for a walk. Walking is not only good for your physical health, but boosts memory and brain power too. If you’re stuck on a particularly hard concept or set of questions, getting outside for a walk can help you reflect on what you’ve learned and return to your studying feeling refreshed.

Set a Schedule and Stick to It

Look, we’re not going to judge if you’re one of those people who can cram the night before and ace the exam. If this works for you, go ahead and stick to it. However, most students don’t benefit from this kind of exam prep. What we’re saying is you’re going to want to create a study schedule for yourself. Feel free to put in as much or as little detail as you want but at the end of the day, having some sort of plan to follow will keep you on task and motivated. Check out  College Info Geek’s guide for some great tips on how to create your own study schedule.

Listen to Music

Listening to music is a great way to create a calming, positive environment for yourself. Certain types of music can give your mood a boost and spark motivation. While it can be difficult for some students to concentrate on studying while listening to music, there are ways to make it work. We’ve outlined different genres that make for a great study aids in  a previous blog post but when in doubt, pick something without lyrics. Classical or ambient music both do the trick!

Get Enough Sleep

We all know  how important sleep is  for our well being. Yet, many of us don’t get enough of it. University and college students in particular have poor sleep habits and honestly, it’s hard to blame them. Between homework, classes, part-time jobs, and a busy social life, students are under a constant time crunch every semester. However, if there’s one time of year to focus on the quality of your sleep, it’s arguably exam season.

Sleep helps your brain retain new knowledge, so it really goes hand-in-hand with studying. Plus, getting a good night’s sleep before an exam will help lower stress and help with concentration. It’s also a good idea because the last thing you want is to wake up late for the exam because you spent all night cramming!

Remember to Breathe

Microbreaks not only help your mind refocus but they are essential for practicing mindfulness. Breathing exercises or meditation are an effective way to calm your nerves and centre your mind on the moment at hand. Throughout the entire exam season, it’s important to remember to take time for yourself. Many students put themselves under too much pressure and in turn, have a lot of anxiety around exams. Just remember to take a few breaths, let go of negative thoughts and most importantly, believe in yourself. You got this!

Talk It Out

We’ve previously discussed the importance of studying and trading notes with friends. However, discussing upcoming exams with other students can also be beneficial for your well-being. Talk out any anxieties or misgivings you may have about an upcoming exam. If they’re a good friend, they will listen and offer advice, even if it’s just reaffirming your capabilities.

Emotional support goes a long way in navigating stressful situations so if you’re feeling in need of help, make sure you ask for it. Your school also has councillors at the ready to help with exam stress should you need it, so don’t be afraid to drop in or make an appointment.

Tune Others Out

On the other hand, sometimes the best thing you can for stress management is to stop listening to other people altogether. Many of us know how toxic social media can be for our moods and well-being. Comparing ourselves to others’ highlight reels is a recipe for disappointment in our own lives. The same holds true, to an extent, for studying with others.

It’s definitely helpful to go over notes with others, but make sure not to get too caught up in comparing your study habits to others. Doing so can cause unneeded stress, as you start to question whether you are as prepared for exams as your peers. The truth is you are likely doing fine. Trust in your own methods and don’t let other people dump their own stress on you.

For more exam stress management tips, check out our list of  study hacks  and which  genres of music you should listen to while you study!

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How to deal with exam stress

Exam season can bring on levels of stress and burnout that can hinder your studies. here are some handy tips on how to manage your anxiety.

• Student life

Seeta Bhardwa

Exam stress affects most students in varying ways. It is important to manage this stress and find little ways of helping to eliminate the risk of burnout. 

For some students, exams can be a breeze; revision is second nature to them and they could ace an exam with their eyes closed. But for others, sweaty palms and heart palpitations are just a part of the territory, and it seems that nothing is more impossible than sitting down and revising. Here are some handy tips that can help to dissipate stress and make sure you can get through exam season. 

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1. take regular breaks and schedule in fun things to look forward to.

Even the most intense exam timetables will allow a little time for a study break. This can include 20-minute breaks during your revision day, and longer activities that you can look forward to. Go out for dinner with friends, go to the cinema, attend a gig, anything that you like doing in your spare time that will take your mind off exams. Spending a little time away from the books will leave you feeling more refreshed and relaxed the next time you revise.

2. Exercise and get outdoors

Easily one of the most frustrating things about exam season is that it seems to occur just as the weather brightens up. Use this to your advantage and go out for a walk, or a run, or head to the gym or swimming pool. As well as keeping you healthy, exercise is known to boost your mood and can help to make you more productive while revising. 

Video: 10 common Exam Results Day questions - answered How to deal with stress over exam results How to survive A-level Results Day How to deal with pressure at university

3. Don’t (always) listen to others

As the old saying goes: "comparison is the thief of joy". While it is helpful to discuss topics with fellow students and often to revise together, try not to compare other peoples' revision to your own. Chances are you’re doing just fine, and listening to other people talk about what they’ve learnt will only stress you out and may make you feel like you aren't progressing as well as them. Plus, if they themselves are stressed this can rub off on to you and other people’s stress is not what you need right now.

4. Speak to someone

If the stress gets to a point where it is overwhelming, and is affecting your day-to-day life, try and speak to someone about it. Your university or school should have a service where you can speak to people about your concerns, and will be able to offer more advice on how to manage it. If that seems like too big a step, open up to a family member or a friend about the pressure you feel. You’ll be amazed to know that you aren’t alone in feeling like this.

10 quick ways to help eliminate exam stress 

• Watch a film, a TV show or listen to a podcast or comedian that makes you laugh.
• Drink some herbal tea or a hot chocolate. It’s a well known fact that hot drinks are known to soothe the soul (avoid too much caffeine though!).
• A shower or a bath can help to relieve stress.
• Cook or bake something. Just the thought of having something delicious to eat can bring you joy. As a bonus side note, try and cook something healthy too. You can’t feed your mind well, if you don’t feed your body well.
• Get some sleep. The virtues of a good night’s sleep during exam season should not be underestimated.
• Keep things in perspective. Yes, exams are important. But you are so much more than your exam results.
• Avoid other stressed people. You know the ones I mean. The ones with cue cards outside of the exam hall, frantically trying to remember key dates and equations. They will do nothing for your stress levels.
• Avoid the exam "post-mortem”. You don’t need to know how other people fared in the exam. You’ve done your best, you can’t go back and change your answers so the second you step out of the exam hall, focus on your next exam.
• Be flexible. While having a revision time table is one of the best tools in your arsenal for exam success, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t stick to it. If you accidentally oversleep, don’t write the day off.
• Write down everything you feel like you need to do and try and tick one thing off. Just the act of feeling like you are in control of your revision can help. 

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Speech on Stress Management for Students and Children in 800 Words

In this article, we have published a speech on stress management for students and children in 800 Words. You can take help from this speech for various events and for exams.

Speech on Stress Management (800 Words)

Hello everyone, a warm welcome and a hearty good morning to the entire gathering. Thank you for allowing me to give a speech on the topic, ‘Stress Management’. Many of you may know that without proper stress management methods, one can suffer from severe consequences, which can cause either physical or mental damage.

Attention Getter: Life is a journey full of difficulties and twists and turns. Usually, in this journey of life, people face various difficulties that arose from these ups and downs because they have to fight with the challenges by themselves alone. Mostly, getting out of such situations is tricky and takes much time. 

The primary reason behind such feelings is the chaotic activity of our day-to-day life, which ultimately gives raises to stress. Stress, if enhances to its ultimate form, can create problems for both our physical and mental health .

That’s why we must practice effective stress management techniques to stay away from stressful issues. The better we understand our problems and situations, the better we can be able to fight with them, and the easier it becomes to overcome stress.

I am here to discuss some useful information and scientifically proven facts about the causes and effects of stress. We will also discuss some useful techniques and methods to reduce stress.

Significance or Credibility: Source, “According to….”

Connective: (you ensure that the audience knows that you’ve completed the introduction, and now you’re moving towards the central part of the body)

Spending quality time with your loved ones and your family is one of the best methods to reduce stress. The quality time spent with your family helps in reducing stress, and can also make you forget your problems and your work for a while.

People take alcohol and drugs to reduce stress for a while, but it doesn’t work in that way. Alcohol and drugs are hazardous for health in the long term. 

That’s why; finding stress relief in alcohol and drugs is not a solution. People just consume it for the first time and get addicted to it; they then get to a point where they can do anything to get their dose or drugs. Apart from causing several health issues, alcohol and drugs are also a waste of time and money.

However, if you hold on to positive without dealing with negative ones can help you maintain a positive attitude towards life. Thinking positively about ourselves is the first thing that we can do. Surrounding ourselves with positive-minded people and inspiring people can help in elevating our mood. 

Of distress, we must talk about our inner feelings with others, which helps in reducing stress. Sharing your feelings with one of your close friend or a family member also helps in reducing stress.

Talking with a health care professional or a clergy also helps in reducing the feelings of distress. Studies suggest that taking part in events with other people who experience similar difficulties like you, are also beneficial to some point to ease distress. 

Apart from all the methods I have mentioned till now, there are a lot of other ways that you can do to reduce stress, like you can find a hobby in which you are interested.

Hobbies have the potential to make you forget your problems, reducing your stress levels. You can go for a walk early in the morning or in the evening, you can go shopping, or you can go to see a picture with your friends or your family. 

These are some brilliant ideas which not only reduce stress but also help in relaxing your mind. When you enjoy these things, you will forget your problems for a while. You can also practice yoga or other exercises, which is not only helpful in reducing stress but also adds up to your physical wellbeing. You can also take a walk alongside your house.

This will be beneficial for you in a better way. When you walk, you can see the clear sky and enjoy other natural or artificial views and get relaxed. It usually feels boring by visiting the same place every day. Try changing your routes, and you can visit a lake or a beach, you can also take a walk beside a river. Take a bike ride, which also helps in reducing stress.

In the end, I would like to say that stress is not bad. In this speech, I have dealt with negative stress or distress; there’s another kind of stress which arouses out of excitement.

One positive part of stress is that it shows you the reality and responsibilities of your life. You know that stress is a normal part of everyone’s life, which can’t be ignored. You need to reduce your stress. 

Thank you for listening to me. Thank you.

I hope you liked this Speech on Stress Management for Students and Children.

2 thoughts on “Speech on Stress Management for Students and Children in 800 Words”

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It’s very insightful and informative.

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How to Overcome Exam Stress: The Common Phenomenon Affecting Students

Exam stress is a common phenomenon that affects students of all ages. It is completely normal to feel anxious or stressed before and during an exam, as exams are often seen as a test of one’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can have negative effects on a student’s performance and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the causes of exam stress, its symptoms, and ways to manage and overcome it.

Causes of Exam Stress

There are several factors that can contribute to exam stress. Some of the most common causes include:

Pressure to perform well : Students may feel pressure from themselves, their parents, or their teachers to do well on exams. This pressure can be internal, such as a desire to succeed, or external, such as a desire to get into a particular college or university. Fear of failure:  Many students worry about failing an exam, which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. This fear can be especially acute for students who struggle with a particular subject or who have had difficulty with exams in the past.

Lack of preparation:  Students who are not adequately prepared for an exam may feel overwhelmed and stressed out. This can be due to a lack of understanding of the material, a lack of study time, or other factors.

Time constraints:  Exams often have tight time constraints, which can be stressful for students who are not used to working under pressure. Symptoms of Exam Stress Exam stress can manifest itself in a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including:

Difficulty sleeping Headaches Stomach aches Loss of appetite Nervousness or anxiety Depression or hopelessness Irritability or anger Difficulty concentrating

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and take steps to manage your stress.

Managing Exam Stress

There are several strategies that can help students manage exam stress:

Prepare in advance : Start studying early and break up your study sessions into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will help you feel more in control and reduce the sense of overwhelm. Get organized : Make a study schedule and stick to it. Gather all of the materials you will need, such as notes, textbooks, and any other resources, and keep them in a designated study area. Take breaks : It is important to take breaks during your study sessions to give your mind a chance to rest and recharge. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do something else you enjoy to help you relax. Eat well and exercise : A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you cope with stress and improve your concentration and focus. Reach out for support : If you are struggling to cope with exam stress, it is important to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

Overcoming Exam Stress

While it is normal to feel anxious or stressed before and during an exam, it is important to find ways to manage this stress so it does not interfere with your performance. By preparing in advance, getting organized, taking breaks, eating well and exercising, and reaching out for support, you can overcome exam stress and perform to the best of your ability.

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Help students with exam-related stress to speak up

Exam periods can induce extreme stress and anxiety for many children and young people across the UK. In this article, we look at how school DSLs can easily check-in on how their students are feeling and help those with exam or assessment-related stress to speak up and receive early support.

The stress students experience during the build up to exams has been widely publicised. In 2022, the Association of School and College Leaders reported that 80% of Headteachers witnessed a noticeable increase in exam stress and anxiety among students compared to pre-pandemic years. 

During exam periods, or when general assessments take place, students can feel overwhelmed by the weight of living up to perceived expectations. This can in turn, affect eating or sleeping habits, or in some cases, lead to feelings of depression. 

The challenge for DSLs

For DSLs, identifying individuals who may be feeling the pressure can be a challenge. Students may keep exam-related worries to themselves, or not know who to talk to. They might not recognise the way that exams or assessments are impacting their own behaviours and interactions with others. Stress symptoms might also manifest at home making it difficult for DSLs to have full visibility of any concerns.

Whilst schools recognise the need to place more resource and focus on factors that might impact student wellbeing, such as exam stress, there isn’t a standard approach to how it can be identified and addressed. Some schools support students by offering drop-in sessions where they can share their feelings with a designated staff member. Whilst this method may suit some, others might not feel comfortable coming forward. 

For time-poor DSLs with many different plates to spin, it can also feel impossible to accommodate multiple one-to-one sessions, despite their best efforts. Therefore, DSLs need a better tool in their armour to quickly identify students that need help.  

Overcome the challenge with Smoothwall Pulse

Smoothwall Pulse , a revolutionary student wellbeing app, can help DSLs to quickly identify which students need assistance with exam or assessment related stress so that they can receive much quicker intervention and support. It’s a user-friendly, revolutionary app-based software solution that provides students with easy access to a weekly 60-second wellbeing ‘check-in.’ Using the app, they can easily report on their wellbeing by answering five simple questions and reach out for in-person support from a designated staff member. 

In addition, it provides DSLs with comprehensive insights and trends regarding wider factors impacting student wellbeing at an individual, cohort/group and whole-school level. This allows for wellbeing concerns that were previously invisible to be made visible, through a user-friendly dashboard.

Katie Thomas, Pastoral Support Manager and Alternate DSL at Westley Middle School, shares her experience of using Smoothwall Pulse: “ Previously we were unable to reach out on a one-to-one basis to every student and understand how they were feeling. Smoothwall Pulse allows us to do this easily, on a weekly basis. I feel that we are much better equipped to deal with wellbeing issues that arise now. We are noticing concerns we were previously unaware of.”

DSLs need a more effective method to quickly identify students who may be suffering with exam-related stress and wider wellbeing concerns. Smoothwall Pulse is a helping hand for DSLs and gives students an easy way to reach out for help to a nominated staff member. Crucially, this means students receive much faster intervention and early support.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Smoothwall Pulse can help you to identify students that might be feeling the weight of exam pressure, or too afraid to share wellbeing concerns,  click here . 

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Discover how our wellbeing solution can help you identify vulnerable students in your school, college or MAT. Speak to our experts today. We're here to help. 

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Effective Stress Management Techniques for Students During Exam Preparation

Article 21 Apr 2023 548 0

Preparing for an exam can be a stressful experience, especially when you're trying to balance academic responsibilities with other obligations like work, family, or social activities. Stress during exam preparation can negatively impact your academic performance, causing problems like difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and decreased motivation. Fortunately, there are a variety of effective strategies for managing stress and reducing anxiety during exam season. In this article, we'll explore some of the causes of exam stress, negative effects of stress on academic performance, and practical tips for reducing stress levels while studying for an exam.

Causes of Stress During Exam Preparation

Stress during exam preparation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Academic pressure: Students may feel pressure to perform well on exams in order to maintain good grades, impress professors, or gain acceptance into competitive programs. - Lack of preparation: Students who haven't adequately prepared for an exam may feel anxious or stressed about their ability to perform well. - Time pressure: Students who have a lot of responsibilities or obligations outside of school may feel stressed about finding enough time to study and prepare for exams. - Fear of failure: Students who are afraid of failing an exam may feel anxious or stressed about their ability to succeed.

Negative Effects of Stress on Academic Performance

Stress during exam preparation can have a variety of negative effects on academic performance, including:

- Difficulty concentrating: Students who are feeling stressed may have difficulty focusing on the material they need to learn, which can make it harder to retain information. - Forgetfulness: Stress can also impair memory, making it harder for students to recall information they've learned. - Decreased motivation: Students who are feeling stressed may be less motivated to study or put effort into their coursework. - Physical symptoms: Stress can also cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, and fatigue, which can make it harder to study and perform well on exams.

Strategies for Managing Stress While Studying

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective strategies for managing stress while studying for an exam. Here are some practical tips for reducing stress levels:

1. Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help calm your mind and reduce stress levels. Try practicing these techniques for a few minutes each day, especially when you're feeling particularly stressed.

2. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, whether that's going for a walk, doing yoga, or hitting the gym.

3. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for academic performance and mental health. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and avoid studying late into the night or pulling all-nighters before exams.

4. Eat a healthy diet: Good nutrition is also essential for reducing stress levels and improving academic performance. Make sure you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

5. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks while studying can help reduce stress levels and improve concentration. Try taking a short break every 30-60 minutes to stretch, take a walk, or do something else that's relaxing.

Benefits of Stress Reduction on Academic Performance

Reducing stress levels can have a variety of positive effects on academic performance, including:

- Improved concentration: When you're feeling less stressed, you'll likely find it easier to concentrate on the material you're studying. - Better memory: Reduced stress levels can also improve memory, making it easier to recall information when you need it. - Increased motivation: When you're feeling less stressed, you'll likely be more motivated to study and put effort into your coursework. - Better physical health: Reducing stress levels can also improve physical health, which in turn can have a positive impact on academic performance. When people are stressed, their body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and lead to other physical symptoms like headaches and muscle tension. Chronic stress can also weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and illnesses.

Exercise, sleep, and nutrition are all important factors in stress management and can improve physical health. Regular exercise, even just a few minutes of physical activity each day, can release endorphins, which are natural stress relievers. Getting enough sleep is also essential for reducing stress levels, as lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability and difficulty concentrating. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can also help improve physical health and reduce stress.

Overall, it's important for students to prioritize their physical health as well as their academic performance, and to recognize the ways in which these two areas are interconnected. By taking steps to manage stress and improve physical health, students can give themselves the best chance of success in their studies.

Coping mechanisms for stress during exam season:

Exam season can be an especially stressful time for students, as they face the pressure of performing well on exams while also juggling other responsibilities like coursework and extracurricular activities. However, there are a variety of coping mechanisms that students can use to manage stress during this time:

- Prioritize self-care: Make sure to prioritize self-care during exam season, even if it means cutting back on other responsibilities. This might include taking breaks to relax, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or engaging in physical activity like yoga or running. - Create a study schedule: Creating a study schedule can help students feel more in control and organized, which can reduce stress levels. Try breaking up study sessions into shorter, more manageable periods, and include breaks for relaxation or physical activity. - Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and increasing focus during exam preparation. Try practicing mindfulness meditation for a few minutes each day to help calm your mind and reduce stress levels. - Seek support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, family members, or a mental health professional for support during exam season. Talking about your feelings and experiences with someone else can be a powerful way to reduce stress and feel more connected.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, stress is a normal part of the exam preparation process, but too much stress can have negative effects on academic performance and mental health. Students can take steps to manage stress by identifying the causes of stress, practicing stress-reducing techniques like relaxation and mindfulness, and prioritizing their physical health through exercise, sleep, and nutrition. By taking a holistic approach to stress management, students can give themselves the best chance of success in their academic pursuits. Remember, it's important to reach out for support if you are feeling overwhelmed or need additional help managing stress.

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Exam Stress Quotes: Quotes And Strategies

Exam stress is a common phenomenon experienced by students as they prepare for and take exams. This type of stress can have a significant impact on student performance, mental well-being, and overall academic success. In order to manage exam anxiety effectively, students often seek various strategies to cope with the pressure. By reading or reflecting on exam stress quotes, students may find inspiration to stay focused, believe in their abilities, and approach exams with a positive mindset.

What Strategies Can Students Use to Manage Exam Anxiety Effectively?

Effective strategies for managing exam anxiety can empower students to navigate the challenges of high-stakes assessments with resilience and composure. By employing effective techniques, students can alleviate their anxiety levels and improve their overall performance.

Relaxation techniques also play a vital role in managing exam anxiety. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Taking short breaks during study sessions is also crucial for avoiding burnout and maintaining focus. Students should consider incorporating physical exercise into their routine as it releases endorphins that elevate mood and reduce tension.

How Can Parents and Educators Support Students Dealing with Exam Stress?

To provide assistance to students navigating the challenges of exam-related pressures, parents and educators play a crucial role in offering guidance and support throughout their academic journey. Parental involvement is vital in helping students cope with exam stress. Parents can create a supportive environment by being understanding and empathetic toward their child’s feelings of anxiety. They can encourage open communication, listen attentively to their concerns, and offer reassurance that grades do not define their worth.

Encouraging self-care is another important aspect of supporting students dealing with exam stress. Parents and educators should emphasize the importance of taking breaks, getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and engaging in physical activity. These practices not only improve overall well-being but also enhance cognitive functioning, allowing students to perform at their best during exams.

Quotes On Exams Stress – To Inspire & Motivate

Quotes from successful individuals can offer inspiration and motivation to students navigating the challenges of exam-related pressures. These quotes act as strategies that can help students cope with stress and anxiety, while also instilling a sense of self-belief and determination. By referring to the experiences of accomplished individuals, students can find solace in knowing that they are not alone in facing these difficulties and that success is attainable through hard work and perseverance.

One such quote comes from Thomas Edison, who said, ‘Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.’This quote emphasizes the importance of diligent studying and hard work in achieving success. It reminds students that intelligence alone is not enough; they must put in the effort and dedicate themselves to their studies. Quotes on exam stress provide valuable strategies for support and anxiety management among students. They promote self-belief, emphasize hard work, highlight education’s transformative power, and encourage individuality. 

Inspiring Quotes On Exams Stress

Prominent figures throughout history have shared profound insights on the challenges students face during examinations, providing inspiration and guidance for managing these pressures.

Strategies for stress management play a crucial role in helping students cope with the demands of exams. One effective strategy is to develop a study schedule that allows for regular breaks and sufficient rest. By breaking down study sessions into manageable chunks and incorporating short breaks, students can maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Numerous quotes from accomplished individuals emphasize the power of believing in oneself during challenging times. This self-confidence acts as a motivational tool to overcome obstacles and persevere through difficult moments. By recognizing their own strengths and capabilities, students can build resilience and find the inner strength necessary to excel academically.

Motivational Exam quotes to Defeat the Exam Anxiety in you

Motivational exam quotes serve as powerful reminders of the resilience and determination required to overcome academic challenges, providing a source of inspiration for students facing exam anxiety. These quotes act as motivational techniques that encourage individuals to manage their stress effectively and adopt self-care practices during times of intense pressure. By incorporating strategies such as time management, maintaining a positive mindset, and prioritizing personal well-being, students can combat exam-related stress and perform at their best.

One effective way to manage exam stress is through proper time management. Motivational quotes remind students to allocate their time wisely by creating a study schedule that allows for breaks and relaxation. This technique not only helps in organizing study materials but also ensures that students do not burn themselves out by studying continuously without giving their minds adequate rest. Quotes like ‘Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going,’ emphasize the importance of utilizing every second efficiently while maintaining focus on the task at hand.

Exam Quotes for Investing in Self-belief

Investing in self-belief is crucial for students to overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals, as it fosters a mindset of confidence and determination. When facing the pressures of exams, managing anxiety becomes essential. By investing in self-belief, students can develop resilience and belief in their abilities, which can help them cope with exam stress more effectively.

One important factor in investing in self-belief is parental support . Parents play a significant role in boosting their child’s confidence and belief in themselves. By providing encouragement, reassurance, and expressing faith in their child’s abilities, parents can help alleviate exam anxiety and instill a sense of self-assurance. This support system helps students believe that they have what it takes to succeed academically.

Motivational Quotes for Students to Study Hard

One effective approach to inspire students to dedicate themselves to their studies is by providing them with insightful words of wisdom that encourage a strong work ethic and perseverance. Motivational strategies play a crucial role in encouraging students to study hard and achieve their exam goals. These strategies can be implemented by both parents and educators, who can offer guidance and support throughout the studying process.

Parental support plays a significant role in motivating students to study hard. Parents can provide encouragement by reminding their children of the importance of education and the long-term benefits it brings. They can emphasize the value of hard work, discipline, and dedication in achieving success. By setting high expectations for their children’s academic performance, parents can instill a sense of responsibility and self-belief in students. Additionally, parents can create a conducive environment for studying at home, ensuring that distractions are minimized and necessary resources are readily available.

Exam-Related Funny Quotes For Kids

Exams can be a daunting experience for kids, with the pressure to perform well often leading to heightened levels of stress. However, amidst all the seriousness, there are moments of comic relief that help alleviate some of this anxiety. Funny exam moments not only provide a much-needed break from intense studying but also serve as a reminder that laughter is indeed the best medicine. These humorous incidents shared among peers create a sense of camaraderie and ease of tension.

Exam time pranks are another source of amusement for students during their academic journey. Innocent pranks played amongst friends or classmates can lighten up the atmosphere and provide temporary relief from the pressures surrounding exams. From exchanging pens filled with disappearing ink to creating fake answer sheets complete with hilarious responses, these playful antics inject humor into an otherwise tense environment.

Quotes On Final Exams For Kids

final exams provide a crucial evaluation of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course.

To ensure success in these high-stakes assessments, students can employ various strategies for success. One effective approach is to develop efficient study habits and time management skills. By creating a study schedule and breaking down the material into manageable chunks, students can avoid last-minute cramming and instead engage in consistent review over an extended period of time.

Students should familiarize themselves with the exam format and content by reviewing past papers or seeking guidance from teachers. Additionally, practicing active recall through techniques like flashcards or summarizing key concepts aids in consolidating information in memory. 

Exam-Over Quotes For Kids

Exam-over quotes for kids can serve as a reminder of the importance of relaxation and self-care after periods of intense studying and testing. In the aftermath of exams, it is crucial for children to engage in post-exam celebrations. This allows them to acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments while also fostering a sense of pride and motivation. Quotes such as ‘You did it! Take time to celebrate your success!’ or ‘Congratulations on completing your exams! You deserve some well-deserved fun!’ can remind kids that they have achieved something significant and deserve a break from their routine.

Exam-over quotes for kids can serve as powerful tools to inspire and motivate students after the completion of exams. These quotes highlight the significance of post-exam celebrations, relaxation, reflection, and self-care. By incorporating these elements into their lives, children can find solace in knowing that they have not only overcome challenges but also taken steps toward personal growth and well-being.

Motivational Exam Quotes For Kids

Motivational exam quotes can serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration, helping kids develop coping strategies and self-belief during their academic journey. One key aspect of managing exam stress is developing effective study habits. Motivational exam quotes can remind children about the importance of consistent effort and perseverance in their studies. Emphasizing the value of hard work, these quotes can encourage kids to stay focused, adopt disciplined study routines, and prioritize their academic responsibilities.

By reminding children about the availability of supportive individuals in their lives, these quotes help foster resilience and reduce feelings of isolation or overwhelm. By internalizing these messages of perseverance and self-belief, children become better equipped to face exams with a positive mindset while managing stress more effectively along their academic journey.

Good Luck Quotes For Kids

Encouraging words of good luck can provide children with an extra boost of confidence and positivity as they embark on their academic journey. Alongside these words, incorporating good luck charms into a child’s routine can serve as a tangible reminder of the support and encouragement they have from loved ones. These charms can range from small objects such as lucky coins or keychains to personal items like a special pencil or notebook. 

Positive affirmations play a crucial role in boosting self-confidence and motivation for kids facing exams. Caregivers and educators should emphasize positive thinking by encouraging children to repeat affirmations such as ‘I am capable,” I am prepared,’ or ‘I will do my best.’These affirmations help shift the focus from potential negative outcomes to one filled with determination and optimism. Regular repetition of positive affirmations reinforces a child’s belief in their abilities, which ultimately contributes to improved performance.

Incorporating good luck charms, relaxation techniques, positive affirmations, time management strategies, and meditation exercises into a child’s exam preparation routine can greatly alleviate stress levels and boost confidence. 

Motivational Quotes To Help You Achieve Your Exam Goals

Motivational quotes serve as powerful reminders of the determination and resilience needed to achieve success in academic pursuits. When facing the challenges associated with exams, students often seek strategies and support to help them manage their anxiety and stay focused.

One key strategy that motivational quotes can reinforce is the importance of hard work and dedication. Achieving exam goals requires consistent effort and a strong work ethic. Quotes such as ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue those contents’ by Winston Churchill remind students that setbacks are temporary and perseverance is crucial.

These quotes serve as gentle nudges, encouraging students to keep pushing forward even when faced with challenges or setbacks. In addition to highlighting the significance of hard work, motivational quotes also emphasize self-belief. Believing in oneself is essential for maintaining motivation and confidence throughout the exam preparation process. Quotes like ‘Believe you can and you’re halfway there’ by Theodore Roosevelt instill a sense of self-assurance in students, reminding them that they have the ability to succeed if they believe in themselves.

Some Encouraging Words For An Exam

During the intense preparation period leading up to assessments, it is crucial for students to embrace a mindset of unwavering determination and resilience. By breaking down the material into manageable chunks and allocating specific time slots for revision, students can feel more organized and in control of their studying process. Another important aspect of managing exam stress is seeking support from friends, family, or mentors. Surrounding oneself with individuals who offer encouragement and understanding can be immensely helpful during this challenging period.

Engaging in group study sessions or forming study groups can also provide an opportunity for collaborative learning where students can share knowledge, discuss difficult concepts, and motivate each other. One way to boost self-belief is by reflecting on past accomplishments and reminding oneself of the progress made throughout the academic journey. Additionally, positive affirmations or visualization techniques can help instill a sense of confidence before entering the examination hall.

Inspirational Quotes To Boost Your Confidence Before Taking An Exam

In the face of academic challenges, individuals may find solace and inspiration in powerful words that instill confidence and fortitude. When preparing for final exams, it is important to have effective strategies in place to manage exam stress and boost confidence. One strategy is to seek support from friends, family, or classmates who can offer encouragement and motivation during this demanding period. Additionally, incorporating funny quotes into study sessions can help alleviate tension and create a positive mindset.

Alongside practical strategies, inspirational quotes can be a source of strength before taking an exam. These quotes serve as reminders of one’s capabilities and potential for success. For instance, Winston Churchill once said, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.’This quote emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. By incorporating such inspiring words into their mindset, individuals can approach exams with renewed determination.

Inspirational Exam Quotes To Help You Overcome Your Fears

To conquer one’s fears and rise above challenges, individuals can find solace in the powerful words of renowned figures that reinforce their inner strength and resilience. When it comes to exam stress and anxiety, having effective strategies in place is crucial for success. One such strategy is seeking support from friends, family, or mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement during this challenging time.

Developing healthy coping mechanisms such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or engaging in physical activities can help reduce anxiety levels. These techniques not only calm the mind but also promote mental clarity and focus. By incorporating these practices into their daily routine, individuals can better manage their anxieties and approach exams with a clear and composed mindset. When facing exam-related fears and anxieties, individuals can turn to various strategies for support and motivation.

Inspirational Quotes To Help You Study For An Exam

Transition: Building on the previous subtopic, which focused on overcoming fears during exams, it is important to now shift our attention to strategies that can aid in effective studying. By implementing various techniques such as concentration strategies, time management techniques, and effective study habits, students can enhance their learning process and better prepare for their exams.

Current Subtopic: When faced with the daunting task of studying for an exam, it is crucial to employ strategies that promote concentration and focus. One effective strategy is creating a designated study space free from distractions. This could be a quiet corner of a library or a dedicated study room at home. By eliminating external disturbances and creating a conducive environment, individuals can optimize their concentration levels and absorb information more efficiently.

Motivational Quotes To Help You Do Your Best On An Exam

Motivational quotes have the power to inspire individuals and instill a sense of determination and resilience, which can positively impact their performance on exams. When faced with the pressure of an upcoming exam, students often find themselves in need of strategies that can help them stay motivated and focused.  Motivational quotes serve as a valuable source of support during this time, providing encouragement and reminding students of their capabilities. 

One effective strategy for utilizing motivational quotes is to place them in visible locations where they can be easily seen throughout the day. For example, sticking a quote on the wall above one’s desk or setting it as a screensaver on a phone or computer serves as a constant reminder of the importance of perseverance and hard work. This visual reinforcement helps create a positive mindset and encourages individuals to stay dedicated to their studies.

Encouraging Quotes to Create the Right Mindset

Encouraging phrases can help individuals cultivate a positive mindset that is conducive to success and personal growth. When facing the challenges of exams, having an encouraging mindset can be crucial for maintaining motivation and overcoming obstacles. By adopting effective strategies such as positive self-talk and visualization, students can boost their confidence and belief in their abilities. Encouraging quotes serve as reminders of one’s potential and provide reassurance during periods of doubt or anxiety.

Parental support plays a significant role in fostering an encouraging mindset during exams. Parents can offer words of encouragement, reminding their children of their capabilities and supporting them throughout the exam preparation process. By expressing belief in their child’s abilities, parents contribute to building a resilient mindset that enables students to tackle challenges with determination and optimism. This optimistic approach contributes significantly to personal growth, resilience development, and ultimately achieving success academically.

In conclusion, managing exam anxiety effectively requires strategies such as proper time management, adopting healthy study habits, and practicing relaxation techniques. Students can also seek support from parents and educators who can provide guidance and encouragement during this stressful period.

It is important for parents and educators to create a supportive environment that promotes positive thinking and motivates students to overcome their fears. By incorporating inspirational quotes into their daily routine, students can find the strength and motivation they need to face exams with confidence.

These quotes serve as a reminder that hard work pays off and that success is attainable with determination and perseverance. With the right mindset and support system in place, students can conquer exam stress and achieve their academic goals.

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