Much tangibly, exam season is the most stressful time of an academic year for a school, university, or college students. Although some students do very well at this type of test format, many cannot do, and it is not very hard to find out why. Given that studies have revealed that exams are not an effective way to examine a student’s knowledge, unfortunately, exams are still being used to determine 25% or more of a student’s grade after taking the test. Therefore, it is crucially important that students go into their examinations as ready and relaxed as they can.

We are introducing you to 7 tips to manage your stress on writing exams and concentrate on your mental health simultaneously.

1. Go for a walk

One of the best things you can do for yourself is going for a walk. Walking not only benefits your physical health but also it fosters and feeds your memory and brain too. If you are stuck with a particularly difficult concept or asset of complicated questions, getting out of your study area for a walk helps you feel refreshed, energized, and powerfully reflect on what you have learned. Remember keeping your head down busy with your studies is a great thing to prepare for exams as far as you do not forget taking a break.

2. Create a schedule and stick to it

The second tip is all about creating a study schedule for yourselves and managing your time during exam season productively. Set a schedule for yourself and put in as much or little detail as you want, but at the end of the day, you will end up having a sort of regular plan to pursue and will keep you on task and organized. While there are people who can cram the night/day before and ace the exam, most students do not or cannot benefit from this kind of preparation. So, the only way is to have a study schedule.

3. Listen to music

Listening to music is also a great way to create a positive and soothing atmosphere for yourself. You can choose certain types of music which you love and can give you a relaxing mood while sparking your motivation. While it can be difficult for some students to focus on studying while listening to music, there are ways for them to help.

4. Get enough sleep

Undoubtedly, sleeping helps your mind retain new knowledge, so it really goes parallel with studying. In addition, getting enough sleep before a test will lower the stress level and help with concentration. So, it is also a good idea because the very last thing will happen to you is waking up late for the exam as you spent all night cramming, so having enough sleep will undoubtedly benefit you. As students are under a continual time crunch every semester, if there is one time to focus on the quality of sleep that is exam season.

5. Remember to breathe

Micro breaks not only help your brain refocus, but they are vital for practicing thoughtfulness. Breathing exercises or contemplation are an effective way to relax your nerves and center your mind on the moment at hand. During the entire exam season, it’s essential to remember to take time for yourself. Lots of students put themselves under too much pressure and, in turn, experience a lot of anxiety around exams. So, just remember to take a few breaths, let go of negative thoughts, and most importantly, believe in yourself.

6. Discuss it with your friends

Discussing forthcoming exams with other students can also be useful for your comfort. Share and discuss any anxieties or hesitations you may have about an upcoming exam with your peers/classmates. If they’re good friends, they will listen to you and offer advice.

Emotional support plays an essential role in controlling stressful situations, so if you’re feeling you need help, do not hesitate to ask for it. Your school also has counselors at hand to assist with overcoming stress should you need it, so don’t be afraid to drop in or arrange an appointment.

7. Ignore others

Sometimes the best thing you can do for stress management is to stop listening to other people altogether. Comparing ourselves to others is sometimes a recipe for disappointment in our own lives. The same applies, to an extent, for studying with others.

It’s helpful to trade notes with or take other’s advice, but make sure not to get too stuck in comparing your study habits to others. If you do, it can cause unneeded stress, as you start to question if you are as prepared for exams as your friends. The truth is you are likely doing fine but get harmed by this comparison.  Believe in your methods and never let other people dump their stress on you.