EXAMINATION AROUND THE CORNER, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

As the weeks and days draw us much closer to the examination period, there’s no ignoring the fact that students are getting geared up for the stormy season.

A stormy season indeed, many would agree because even as students are preparing for exams there is that feeling of uncertainty. Questions are being asked. How are the exams going to be conducted especially with the new mode of learning?

Students keep speculating if examinations are going to be virtual or physical. Or if the semester is going to be extended. So many books to read, so many assignments to turn in and so many things to catch up on. The pressure is up, the tension is higher than ever and right now, there’s hardly any UI student whose smile is sincere. So here are some tips to keeping the anxiety away during the exam period.

PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME
This is a very effective way to reduce exam tension and anxiety. Waiting till two weeks or a week before examination starts is just no the right way to go. This is one of the reasons many students have very high level of anxiety before exams. This is because there is too much for them to cover and such little time. It is much easier and effective to begin your readings from the beginning of the semester. That way, you would have covered all topics and courses before the time for exams and as such feel less tensed and more confident about it.

REPLACE UNHELPFUL AND DISCOURAGING THOUGHTS WITH ENCOURAGING SELF TALKS

Do away with all negative thoughts. Tell yourself over and over again that you can do it and that even though it seems tough, you’ll get through it. Speak words of encouragement to yourself. Whether the exams would be physical or virtual should not make you fear. If it happens to be virtual, thoughts like, “What if my network fumbles?, Or what if my data finishes in the middle of the exams?” should have negative effects on you. Think positively. Be optimistic!

SELFCARE IS IMPORTANT
Remember good self-care. Try to sleep well, feed well and also reach out for social support.

BE PREPARED
Whether the exams would be virtual or physical, as a student all you need to do is be prepared. As much as you try to think and act positively, still prepare for the worst so as not to be caught unawares. Be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally.

LEARN RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Through the stress and tension, try to take a break and breathe. It is essential that you find ways to cool your exam anxiety before going we’re fully thrown into the examination period. Find time to cool off by taking short or long walks, listening to refreshing music or even hanging out with friends. Taking an hour or two from the whole day to cool off is not too much for anyone to do. This helps to calm the nerves and has a positive effect on your readings too.

Though the bar may have been raised, standards high, even your tension is higher than ever. Remember, nothing in life is achieved easy, you must strive and persevere. Success on a silver platter might be an erroneous expression which often times doesn’t last like what is obtained legitimately. Be optimistic and always believe that everything good will come.