Do you always get wildly anxious before a big final exam? You’re not alone! We’ve compiled seven top secret techniques to help you relax and ace those tests!
College is undeniably a learning experience in more ways than one. But to succeed, one must do well on final exams.
Maybe the thought of final exams produces feelings of anxiety. You have to perform well to get your degree, so the idea of not doing well is scary. Even if you’re good at preparing, it’s only natural to feel that way.
Luckily, we have some tips that’ll help calm your nerves before final exams.
Here are seven techniques so you’ll keep your cool and do an exceptional job on your exams!
1. Create a Study Schedule
You can’t possibly study every hour leading up to your finals. Even if caffeine keeps you awake (more on this later), at some point, the material won’t even make sense.
Instead of getting a severe case of brain fog, create a set schedule. That way, you’ll know when it’s time to study and for how long.
Create a study schedule that’s like a work schedule. Take your classes into account and write down when there’s free time. It’ll be easier if you give yourself mini-breaks between class and studying.
Even if there isn’t a lot of time for you to relax, be sure to schedule some free time. During this time, take a walk, call a friend, or watch a TV show. You deserve to relax a little bit before hitting the books again!
Having some free time to look forward to will ensure you won’t get burned out. If there ends up being time to spare, then study more. But sticking to the schedule you created will ensure you stay calm before finals arrive.
2. Take a Walk
Studying requires a lot of sitting, which can make you sore and tired. That’s why taking a walk is an excellent way to clear your mind. Besides helping you think straight, walking is a way to get some exercise.
Exercising releases “feel-good” endorphins, resulting in you feeling confident before taking an exam. Staying positive is precisely what you need if you’re feeling stressed out!
Walking also allows you to explore your neck of the woods. So take a break from studying, and breathe in the fresh air. It’ll no doubt get your mind off your exams!
3. Practice Muscle Relaxation Techniques
It’s common for your muscles to get tight when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Practicing muscle relaxation techniques can release some of the tension you’re feeling. Plus, it’ll take your focus off studying and result in you focusing on the exercises instead.
One muscle relaxation technique is by raising your shoulders toward your head. Hold your shoulders up for 15 seconds. Then, slowly release them and breathe out deeply for 30 seconds.
4. Listen to Music That Calms You
Calming music is yet another way to feel relaxed and worry-free before an exam. Some people can listen to music while they’re studying and that keeps them calm. If you think that’d work for you, try listening to instrumental music. If you’re able to stay focused and quiet, that means it’s something you should do more often!
Besides listening to music while studying, also turn on some tunes before a scheduled exam. Listening to calming music will take your mind off the impending exam and put you in a state of bliss instead.
Create a playlist so you’ll have some songs on hand to listen to. You’ll pass your exams with flying colors!
5. Don’t Overdo it By Drinking too Much Caffeine
You may rely on caffeine to keep you going strong while studying. Being sleep-deprived isn’t fun. Plus, you may already have a lack of sleep from a previous exam.
Sure, caffeine is great at keeping you awake. But after a while, your body will become starved for rest.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep without drinking caffeine non-stop. You may not think there’s enough time to prepare for the test. Yet, you’ll do better when you’re well-rested as opposed to being half asleep.
Use caffeine as an incentive to work hard instead of leaning on it to get you through the day. You’ll be much better off that way!
6. Eat Foods High in Nutrients
If you’ve been relying on snacks to get you through, you should rethink that. Snacking on chips and soda tastes good going down. But it’s not going to supply you with the energy you need to keep studying.
On the other hand, nutrient-rich foods will keep your mind clear, and you’ll feel better mentally.
Focus on eating foods that resemble the colors of the rainbow. Leafy greens, berries, and foods with whole grains are a few different food types to eat.
7. Realize There’s More to Life Than Exams
Even though performing well on your final exams is the goal, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t do as well as you’d hoped. There will be times when an exam isn’t what you expected. If you did your best, that’s all that matters.
If you base your sole identity on how well you perform — take a step back. It isn’t worth it if you’re constantly anxious because you’re worried about the outcome.
Realize there’s more to life than college exams and that the result of the exams doesn’t reflect who you are as a person.
Conclusion
Doing well on your final exams is essential, but don’t let it overwhelm you. There are steps to take that’ll ensure you’re both well prepared and rested.
It may seem challenging to manage it all, but it shouldn’t feel as scary after incorporating these tips.
Don’t give up on your dreams. Believe in your abilities, and you’ll succeed in all you do!
[Author Bio:]
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Grove at Moscow to help them with their online marketing.
