How to Overcome Exam Fear?

We all have been through anxiety and nervousness before exams. After appearing for many exams, we usually get into a habit, so it doesn’t happen over and over again unless a person has exam phobia, that is, the fear of exams. It is a common phenomenon among students, especially at the doorstep of an important exam, sometimes even in the exam hall. It is incredibly fatal as it affects the mental health of the student psychologically, socially, and emotionally leading to a blackout or unconsciousness in the exam hall. Even the slightest bit of mental perturbation can cost an enormous value of time and money, just to become normal, the way you were before you heard the term exam. So why worry about things which are completely out of control?

The only expected thing from a student is to study properly and write what the examiner has to ask in the question paper; whether she or he is going to pass the exam with flying colors or manage to pass or fail, it depends on how wholeheartedly she or he has dedicated herself or himself while studying the subject. Such a reasonable concept doesn’t find a room when the mind is filled with unwanted and mentally catastrophic possibilities.

Tips to overcome exam fear?

The superfluous clutter floating in the brain ultimately causes anxiety and builds up pressure, blocking even the things you studied appropriately. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to hack exam stress.

1. Confidence is what throws stress out of the equation. You need to show faith in your exam preparation. You cannot afford to have thoughts that would ultimately black you out in the exam hall.
2. Formulate a timetable and follow it religiously for better preparation.
3. You can consume volumes of new content, but what is the use when you can not remember any of it? It should be a mandate to revise whatever you study.
4. Do not study to cram the concepts, study for the knowledge you’ll be earning for the rest of your life from them.
5. At times it becomes difficult to focus. A few minutes break can refresh the mind, and you can study effectively.
6. Discuss the complex and perplexing topics with your friends, and still, if the doubt persists, ask the subject teachers.
7. Never miss out on breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A sumptuous diet is all it takes to maintain physical and mental health.
8. Meditation helps in keeping the mind cool and focused, so meditate regularly.
9. You should highlight the important points while reading helps in effective revision.
10. Practice as many problems as you can so that you have an idea of the types of possible questions the examiner can ask.

On The Day of Exam

1. Stay calm and composed, have faith in yourself, and give it your best shot. Think of it this way, you are not going to face the exam, but the exam is going to face you!
2. Never skip breakfast on the day of examination. Never.
3. Make sure to keep all the stationery items before leaving for the exam center.
4. Reach the examination hall early to avoid last-minute issues of traffic and tension. Absorb the surroundings and comfort yourself.
5. Read the questions carefully.
6. Maintain track of time while answering the questions.
7. Allocate 10 minutes to revise the answer sheet before handing it over to the invigilator.

A few things like a student-expert analysis of the question paper and their difficulty levels must be averted. Some students try to impose their academic supremacy by discussing question papers right after the exam is over. Avoid such discussions. Discussions and comparisons must be kept farthest. It drains you off of the time and energy to be saved for the next exam. Wasting time on the previous one is not going to prepare you for upcoming exams. Be bold and cheerful about the temperament you exhibit in and out of the exam hall.

Role of parents

Parents play a crucial role in preparing their children, especially mentally, before any exam. If they keep scolding and comparing their child with other children, the child would feel demotivated and pressured. Be considerate of the child’s emotional and mental situation, and assure faith. Never pressurize them to ace the scorecards and ranks.

A positive and holistic study approach is the way forward.

• Proper planning and strategy will immensely boost confidence to overcome exam fear. It is advisable to go through the previous year’s question papers to better understand the exam pattern.
• Listen to music to refresh your mind, and it works wonders. Never study overnight before the exam date. Get proper sleep. Exercise regularly for a fit and fine body. Instilling these habits will bring a lot of optimism in the thought patterns, much required before commencing any task.
• Allow the thoughts of a test to replenish the minds with positivity, clarity, and a sense of calm. Think of it as a challenge and proceed with utmost faith and serenity.

Societal parameters

It is not that the system or the examiner wants students to fail you in the exam. It is the fear of not standing up to the societal parameters of intelligence. We feel ashamed if we score low. Rather than learning lessons, we tend to compare ourselves to friends, which neither helps academically nor mentally. So why not change the perspective and shift to a more authentic outlook? Always keep in mind it is not the exam results that define you, but a robust temperament to reflect on the mistakes to come up with better study plans. Examinations assess your skills knowledge based on the curriculum.

Life has an extensively diversified curriculum; what counts is the attitude to show up even after the challenges and situations throw you miles away from the targets. The never-give-up attitude keeps the boat floating in the storm.

Also read: Importance of Expert Opinion in Improving Learning Outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is exam fear destructive for our mental health?

Yes, it is. The intense anxiety levels can also lead to depression. Always think of your mental health first before allowing the anxiety to penetrate the roots.

How effective is meditation in keeping the mind cool and composed?

Meditation is highly beneficial to maintain the sanctity of your mind. It allows us to think in-depth about anything we put our focus on. Practice meditation to keep depression away from your life.

Will positive thinking has an impact on the practical work experience?

Yes. Positive thinking allows you to create an environment full of enthusiasm and confidence. It certainly will keep tension away in and out of the exam hall.