BackThe pressure of exams can cause serious stress and anxiety. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s tempting to just try to force yourself through the workload. However, plowing ahead without taking care of yourself leads to burnout. Here are some healthier ways to manage exam stress that don’t involve going on an all-night bender down the student union bar.
How to Deal with Exam Stress
Exam stress is real, with 16.4% of post-secondary students reporting feeling highly anxious around exams. And that’s on top of the 45% of uni students who feel stressed about their course. Here are some exam anxiety tips that might help.
Revision schedule
An effective revision schedule is crucial to navigate exams successfully. Here’s how to build one:
- Prioritise the subjects that matter most and exams that need the most preparation time.
- Break revision into 30-60 minute intense sessions, followed by 10 minute breaks to rest your mind.
- Set specific goals regarding the material, topics, or number of practice questions to cover in each study session.
- Vary the subjects you study each day to keep things interesting and avoid mental fatigue.
- Schedule in time for rest, fun, and regular breaks so revising doesn’t take over your life. It really is OK to go out one night a week with your friends!
Finding the right revision method for you
Students need to find revision techniques that work for their unique learning styles:
- Use flashcards to condense notes down to key facts and figures for memorisation.
- Take practice exams under timed conditions to prepare for the real exam format.
- Create rhymes, acronyms, or mnemonic devices to aid in recalling information.
- Simply re-read textbooks and notes multiple times if you learn best by absorbing information.
Group study
Studying in a group in our supportive learning environment can provide exam stress relief benefits like:
- Gaining new perspectives when group members explain concepts you find difficult.
- Keeping each other on track and accountable during study sessions.
- Making studying more engaging by learning with friends.
- Teaching each other topics you know well to deepen understanding.
- Testing each others’ knowledge through practice exam questions.
When organising a study group, keep it to 3-4 people, meet somewhere focused like one of our study spaces, stick to a schedule, and ensure equal participation.
Study breaks – finding a good balance
While cramming content is important, rest and recovery are also essential:
- Schedule leisure activities into your calendar so you have things to anticipate beyond just studying.
- Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to allow your brain to recharge.
- Maintain relationships and social connections – don’t isolate yourself from friends.
Finding the right balance between studying and self-care helps you be productive while protecting your wellbeing.
Spend time with nature
Being outdoors can help calm the mind during stressful exam seasons:
- Go for walks while studying if possible – being in nature can boost focus and clarity.
- Try meditating or deep breathing outside to combine relaxation with nature’s benefits.
- When studying indoors, sit near windows with views of greenery.
- Take study breaks to exercise outdoors like going for a run or doing a gym session to get a mental reboot.
Try to spend 10-15 minutes outside daily for the mental health benefits nature provides.