If you are sitting this year’s General Certificate Examination then you will agree that you need to get yourself ready academically and psychologically. In this piece, you will learn ten effective methods to overcome examination tension and anxiety.
1.Effective Study Plan: Organise your study material and create a structured study plan. Break down your subjects into manageable chunks, and allocate specific time slots for each.
2.Regular Breaks: Taking short breaks during your study sessions helps to prevent burnout and keeps your mind fresh. Consider the Pomodoro technique – study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
3.Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Physical well-being directly impacts your mental state and ability to manage stress.
4. Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing techniques to calm your nerves. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and repeat. This can help alleviate anxiety.
5.Positive Self-talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your capabilities and achievements to boost your self-confidence.
6.Visualization: Imagine yourself successfully tackling the exam. Visualization can help reduce anxiety and increase your confidence in your abilities.
7.Mindfulness and Meditation: Engage in mindfulness practices or meditation to stay present and reduce anxious thoughts. Focus on the current moment and let go of worries about the future.
8. Practice Past Questions: Solve previous years’ question papers or practice tests. This familiarises you with the exam pattern and boosts your confidence.
9.Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a counsellor about your anxiety. Sharing your feelings can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
10. Time Management: Create a schedule for the exam day. Know how much time you have for each section and allocate accordingly. This prevents rushing and panic during the exam.
