Examination Phobia - Tips To Tackle It!

The burden of exams is taking a tremendous toll on both the psyche and physiology of students today. Exam stress is making then ill, anxious and depressed. To cap it all, not being able to shake off the stress, makes them freeze up during the exams. If you are a student and find yourself in the grips of exam phobia, here are a few things you can do to alleviate it -

• Work out on a regular basis: When you exercise, your body produces oxytocins which are the feel-good hormone. It is also a stress buster. Moreover, exercise boosts your metabolism. Stress can lead to indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting. Working out helps prevent that.

• Get a good night’s sleep: Sleep helps your brain flush out waste materials produced by the cells of the brain. If the wastes accumulate, it leads to forgetfulness and difficulties in recalling. Psychologists say that staying up nights to cram right before your exam will never serve any purpose because its only during sleep that your brain is able to store the information it has gathered during the day.

• Eat healthily: Avoid spicy rich food because they are difficult to digest. Your platter should contain leafy vegetables, omega 3 fatty acids, whole grains and nuts. Together they will improve your memory and also kill stress. Remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

• Avoid caffeine: You should also avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee. People tend to drink too much of both rights before exams to keep themselves alert. But, excess caffeine can hike your stress levels and deprive you of your much-needed sleep. Instead, opt for soothing herbal teas.

• Practise breathing techniques. Not only do they make you relax, but they also improve focus and concentration.
Strategize

• Spread out your studies over the course of the year so that you do not have to cram right before the exams. Make an exam planner and stick to it.

• Intersperse your study hours with small breaks. These breaks serve as a respite. Eat a healthy snack, go for a walk, read a book, play with a pet, or talk to your loved ones-all of which can relieve stress.

• Study with a friend.

• Do not allow yourself to be distracted. Your mobile phone will only eat into your study time

• Block unhelpful and self-doubting thoughts. Convince yourself that you are going to ace the exam. Confidence is the best stress buster.

• Arrive at the venue early. There is nothing more anxiety-inducing as being caught up in traffic and worrying that you won’t make it in time.
A little bit of stress is actually good for you, it keeps your goal in focus. But, giving it free rein will impede you and you can curb it with the above-mentioned tips.