Four Steps to stay Stress-Free During Exams

Any student knows that exams are one of the most significant events in school as well as one of the most stressful experiences they will have during their lives. The consequences of passing exams mean a lot because it will determine if they will make the next grade. This puts a lot of pressure on the student and sometimes creates an unnecessary stress for them. Don't fret, because here are some time-proven techniques and advice on how to stay stress-free during exams:

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Being prepared in all aspects should take off considerable amounts of stress come exam time. Make sure that you have all of your books, notes and references handy and within easy reach. Know which subjects and discussions are included and gather all source material. Cramming may be popular in school, but the best way to retain knowledge is by studying in small amounts, and taking a refresher review right before exam time. Draft a plan that will cover all the subjects you need to study and put more time on the information that you feel will need more focus. Preparing also reduces and breaks down what seems to be a very difficult matter into manageable sizes and puts you in complete control. When you see an organized action plan, your mind will be better motivated to go through and complete it.

Take Small Breaks and Exercise

The mind has a limit on how much information is memorized and processed, so if you feel that your mind is not accepting any new information, it is time for a quick break. A break can take 15 up to 30 minutes and you can use it to load up on food and water. Exercise and keeping the mind and body alert is also essential for your hormones to work their magic and make you feel good and study well. A brisk walk, a cycle down the block, playing your favorite sport, or just simply meditating or listening to your favorite music will rejuvenate the mind and make it easier to focus on the next study session.

Focus and Remove Distractions

Go to your favorite place to study and clean the desk or surface of all things. Lay out the books and the notes that you will need, and then keep an active focus on your study. It is so easy to be distracted nowadays, but doing something else and going back to studying takes up mental resources and concentration. Avoid using the computer or mobile phones unless it is used for research, and turn them off so that a ring or a message will not distract you alert. Do not look at social media such as Facebook or Twitter. Focusing solely on your exams also gives you a chance to finish faster and cover more ground. Doing one task at a time retains the brain's memory better rather than scattering your mind on various ones.

Get Good Rest and Enough Sleep

It is of paramount importance that your body and mind are well maintained and refreshed right before exam time. All the preparations you make may not matter if mind or body does not get enough rest. Rest also helps in reducing and eliminating mental and physical stress on the body and helps in calming down the jitters, or nervousness during exams. You will need to be at your best, sharp and alert for any exam instructions and able to access your mind's memory to give your best in answering the test questions.

Whether you’re taking TAFE courses in Melbourne, or a postgraduate degree, the rules are still the same. Just remember, once exams are done and over with there is nothing else that you can do and you can rest assured that you gave it your best shot. The pointers outlined here are general guidelines on how to stay stress-free during exams, but they can also apply to other real-life situations as well.