Exam stress.

With exams and tests many people experience stress and anxiety. In small amounts stress can be good for us - it is a natural response our body uses to prepare us for flight or fight in the natural world. However over long periods of time it can damage our health and well being. 

Here are some tips and links to prepare you for exam stress.

Prevent getting stressed out by;

1. Revising effectively for an exam - If you have revised effectively and fully prepared for an exam you might be able to avoid stress altogether. After all, you knew it was coming, you spent time preparing and now it is here. If you couldn’t have done anything more you have nothing to feel bad about. And your preparation will help you feel confident and successful before you even start the exam!
   
2. Knowing your exam technique - during tests and mock exams ensure you practice exam technique. This means making sure you manage your time (keep an eye on the clock), reading all the information in a question, proofreading your answers to make sure they make sense and answer the question, and ensuring you include formulas and units for calculations. Each subject you complete and exam for will have different requirements. Make sure you know what to expect from your exam.
   
3. Be happy with your best - This is easier said than done however it goes a long way to reducing stress levels. Even now, as an adult, I live by this rule. When I go to a job interview I always try my best and tell myself that if I make a mistake or don’t get the job it doesn’t matter because I tried my best and was true to myself.
   

Face up to your stress and deal with it by;

1. Taking time out - You realise in the middle of a History exam that you are answering the wrong question - STRESS!!! Stop - breathe - relax - start again. You’ve been revising Science all week and the exam is tomorrow morning, but you’ve not had a chance to revise cells and reproduction and it’s 11 pm - ANXIETY!!! Stop - breathe - relax - think. Watch a video on the way to school about it or flick through your revision guide while eating breakfast. It’s too late now - you need to turn off and go to sleep. 
   
2. Asking for help - Seeking help for stress and anxiety from parents, teachers, friends or your doctor can really help you in the long term. Some people are more anxious than others and if you do not seek help to deal with it, it can take over your life. Sometimes even telling people you are stressed out helps you relax.
   
3. Managing stress - This may be by having a mantra to repeat in your head when you get stressed out (my best is good enough) or using meditation, yoga and mindfulness techniques. Teachers and doctors have information about this and there are many different useful websites to help you adopt a strategy which works for you.