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Feeling stressed for the exam the day before and on the day is very natural. For some the anxiety continues till the exam starts and after that it is normal as you get engrossed in the exam itself.
But problem starts when some people are under heavy pressure of expectations from family and school or college, afraid of their mind going blank, worried that they are not good enough. This stress simply gets them down and they are unable to even perform to their potential. If the stress level is too high then it is harmful for both to you and to your chances.
- The first way to avoid stress of an exam is best possible preparation and moreover a smart one. First make sure that what you don’t read anything beyond the syllabus and pattern of the exam. Once you are sure of the things to study, see the time at your disposal.
Here a very good technique is measuring the time not in terms of months or days, but in terms of hours. Even if you are 2 months away from exam, think in terms of hours. Observe your study habits and duration. If you can study 7 hours a day then in 2 months you have 427 hours (61 * 7 ). Simply deduct 10% time from that as you may get undesired disturbance. So now you have approximately 384 hours. Now apply the rule of 80-20 rule. If you take 80% of time in studying then you require 20% of time for revision.
This way you have a statistical view of the task at hand. A book may seem well within your reach in 2 months, but if you calculate this way you may fall short of time. And this sense of emergency keeps you going well before deadline. This is definitely a surest way to avoid last minute rush and procrastination.
- Now when you are ready with the blueprint, get down to other details. Do not give up all your social and sporting activities all at once. Gradually cut them down. Sleep adequately, not more or less. Many suffer from sleep disorder due to exam worries. Then do go for workout or swimming. This may seem a waste of time but in the overall scene it will help you.
- Now coming on to the studies, there is no right way for everybody. Always think of revision along with your first time studies. Sometimes planning a smart revision pays off more than hard work. Now there are a lot of ways to study : writing the key notes, discussing the difficult part, group study, quizzes. It all depends on your personal choice.
There cannot be more stress on a smart preparation. Always keep in mind the importance of the chapter you are studying as far as exam is concerned. Pay more attention to part where questions are more probable. See the trend and discuss with teachers and trusted resources. Trust your judgment and go ahead with a plan. All toppers intuitively follow a plan like this. But you may fall into exceptions but if you are short of time, smart work will see you through.See the stress management section for some really good techniques.