6 Tips to Beat Final Exam Stress
Have you ever seen a stress-free college student? I haven’t, unless you count the freshmen who mess up the first half of the semester, say “screw it” to the rest and never attend class again. But that’s not what I’m talking about here.
Stress is a huge part of the college experience, and it’s something we all have to deal with in life. We don’t, however, have to let it get the best of us.
This may come as a shock, but stress DOES NOT have to take over your life, no matter how many finals you have. You can still do well on your tests without wanting to die for an entire week.
I know this is a fashion site, but it’s also a site about college life, and finals are a huge part of that. Here are my top tips for keeping stress at a minimum during your hectic final exams week that is probably happening right now or very soon at your school.
Just for the record, these tips actually work, and the list doesn’t include any cliche’ crap that doesn’t, like “deep breathing exercises”.
1. Avoid stressful people.
Stress actually is contagious. During exam week, resist the urge to have a study session with your super-tense friend, especially if she’s complaining about all the work she has to do and breaking pencils all over the place. Her stress will only add to your stress.
2. Eat healthy and exercise.
This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s a wonder how many people forget it. Skip the sugar, which will make you crash, and go for snacks like granola bars, healthy cereal or fruits and veggies to keep your blood sugar stable. If you’re studying for a long period of time, eat some protein too. Also, try to get some form of exercise. Even a 10 minute walk will leave you calmer and more focused.
3. Just say NO.
I don’t mean to drugs, although I’m not recommending them or anything. What you need to say no to are the people who want to take up your time. There will probably be a friend who needs to talk to you for hours about her life, or a keg party the night before your final, and if you say yes, you’ll probably be tempted to blow off studying. Resist the urge. Say no to the distractions and be selfish for a day. You want a good GPA, right?
4. Force yourself to take breaks.
For every hour or so that you work, take a 10 or 15 minute break. Let yourself do whatever you want (check Facebook, check out that guy sitting nearby, stare off into space, call a friend, etc.) for those 10-15 mins, then start working again. This gives your brain a little rest and will help keep you more focused when you are actually doing work.
5. Visualize it all going right.
This is actually my favorite tip of all, even though it sounds kind of nuts. Imagine yourself taking the test and feeling confident that you know all the information. Picture getting all of the answers right, and focus on how relaxed you feel. Then picture the A on your test paper. When you imagine a happy ending, that’s often what happens, because you make the decisions that lead to it without even realizing.
6. If you’ve studied all you can, get up your confidence!
When test-time rolls around, it’s time to get yourself into confidence mode. You’ve prepared as much as you could, and now it’s time to ace the test. The tip here is to do whatever works to convince yourself you are going to do really well. Again, I know this tip sounds a little crazy but you just have to try it for yourself. I think you’ll like the results.
What do you think?
Do you like these tips? Do you think they’d work for you? Do you do anything similar when you study? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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Posted on on May 1, 2007 / Filed Under: College Life / Tags: College Life, Tips
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Ladan
I just got back from an online exam on campus. See, I had this US History course online. It was difficult, but I answered everything to the best I could. I heard that if you leave any blank spots, you’ll lose. I had a few essay questions, two 30pt ones, one which I could answer. I did answer the smaller point essays too.
So, I now pray….give me a passing grade. :)
abba
Very good post, thanks!
Tam
Hey,
This information I will give you might be a little cheesy, but they really work (are proven),are great and are things that will not cost you any time.
* The first thing I really have to say and I know everyone knows it, but it’s true and really helps: Drink a lot of water. Nothing distracts you more than being thirsty so drink a lot of water during the period you are having tests (actually always). It’s good for your brain so you will be able to concentrate more. And a big plus is that the bags underneath you’re eyes won’t look that bad! You’ll feel fresher (at least i know i do). And i alwys tend to eat more during the testweek..well water makes you feel less hungry –> not adding unnessecary pounds :D
* Take a lot of breaks! You actually need them so you’re brains can process the information you’re learning. And during you’re break, don’t watch any TV, but do some exercises. you will be surprised of how well you will be able to concentrate afterwards. If you have studied 50 minutes, take just 10 minutes off and sinds you’re probably wearing you’re sweats go for a run! The fresh air will do you a lot of good either, so it’s all positive influence on you’re brain and concentration. You will probably be done earlier..:D
* Another thing: don’t learn anymore 1 hour before the test–> the last things you learn you will focus on a lot before the test and you will remind better, which will make you forget the other things you’ve learned. Now i know it’s not like you will completely forget it, but will have trouble to remind it and use it correctly + it takes a lot of time too.
* You learn better after having slept..because you’re brain are fresher. So even if you can sleep for 4 hours..try to do it. actually you have to sleep good the night before the test, but since it’s from earlier that we students tend to study for a test the nights before, you might try studying till 00.00 go to bed untill 04.00 or 06.00 and then get up and repeat everything you’ve learned for the test.
Sincerely yours,
Tam
Ashley
I would suggest using this:
http://www.isleptthroughclass.com
It has been an excellent resource for me in finding class notes and networking with other students.
Hope this helps!
Lillie
omg finals are SO STRESSFUL. i have an entire $15,000 scholarship hinging on this stupid algebra final tomorrow. and it was all good till my stupid teacher crammed 2 chapters into the last class period before the final.
ive tried so hard but unfortunately i think i may have to re-take the class :(
Valeria
Well, I’m not going through finals, but the first tests and an extremely stressful week, so I’m definately trying this tips. Thanks, Zephyr!
ANKUSH SHARMA
i am studying b.tech .As the exams starts i am in great stress i am not be able to get sleep even an hour if i take bed then i am not be able to sleep.sgeest some ways to get wonderful sleep beforre exam…..
juliet
thank you so much for this post
I`m a medicine-student from Zurich (CH) and our exams start on January 18th…I’ m really about to go entirely banana….it’s my first term and I’m so afraid and nervous and everything, but tip 5, the visualizing thing, did catch my attention….maybe it will help =) I really hope so
all the best
shameek
i hope this works
ram
hi
the tips u have presented here are extrordinary
so far i had a feeling that stress is something which affects a limited number of students. after reading the first point i came to know that it is common to all .there is no one exeption to it . by reading the line i was very happy to know a thing which cleared a feeling that troubling me
mmmere
this is encouraging lol{ laugh out loud}
CP
Noticed you’re talking about exams, which can get really tiring and stressful. Check this out for a stress relief: http://www.pepfly.com/a/6560 – Jessica’s (humorous) daily affirmation.
^CP
(jeremy@pepfly.com)
irshaad
hey …all your tips were really usefull and makes real sence.i will with what you say.
thanks alot
kumar
nice suggestion..i will follow them
advani
nice suggestion.. i’ll try
Desktop PC
kcka
hey thanks there…………..u knw i jst had entrance exams for medicine…………….whooh…exhaustin………
neha shah
hi these tips ae good and applicable because some of the tips i have use myself while i had my final exams of masres of arts.
But one thoght that friquently comes in my mind at the time of eac exams that is what do i know?what will i write ?will i be able to recall what i have learnt?thse kind of doubting questions arises everytime no matter how good the prepration is.i msure that it is not due to lack of confidence on my ownself bcz i have a great faith in my own self.what else it could be?please tell me.
juniordoc
liked these tips…have exams in like 2 months…hope they work :)
SLW
“Another thing: don’t learn anymore 1 hour before the test–> the last things you learn you will focus on a lot before the test and you will remind better, which will make you forget the other things you’ve learned. Now i know it’s not like you will completely forget it, but will have trouble to remind it and use it correctly + it takes a lot of time too.”
I hate this “advice”. It’s not true. I’ve had exams where I learned something 5 minutes before the test and it helped me ace the exam.
julia
I’m not in college but i’m a freshman in high school taking all honors and i’m really nervous for finals! this advice helped tho, thanks! did anyone one think high school finals for honors classes were really hard or is it easy?
snehanu
i’m in 2nd pu frm karnataka .. i realli loved these tipz…. thanz a lot fo it…=) for i got board xamz!!!!! once again thanx a lot <3
Tawheed
Hi, I really found these tips helpful for me so thumbs up to the person who made this article! Thank you so much :D Please pray for me to do well for tomorrow’s exam
mal
all the 6 tips are fantastic and applicable
really helpful to me
preethi
good
Prasad
Great tips,i blogged this.
Chiranjib
I am a physics student (undergrad junior) in India. i think the following really helps(at least me anyway)
1.try studying in the morning, the environment is much calmer and all silly people tending to disturb you would not be up before you get a solid chunk of studying .
2. I am not a person comfortable with this setting goals business and do not find it of much use . in my case those failed goals cause further worry and if I carry out those goals I am certain to feel I have left myself with too small goals to finish the syllabus.
3.try to not buy too much books it tends to confusion.
I had a course on classical mechanics and bought every conceivable books like landau, taylor,goldstein, marion, sommerfeld, kibble, gregory etc but was just overwhelmed, whenever i saw any new topics that was not in other books i felt i outta know it and soon I was frustrated.
4. Engage in facebook in the night before exam (or better tweet your feelings , nobody reads them anyway) in the day before the exam and blow off steam.
saloni
i want more!!
Ondieki Benard
Wonderful tips I am a Public Health student in KMTC Nairobi campus year two and I know the tips will help me. Thanks for the tips. Amen.
Atul
THANKS FOR THE TIPS! I HAVE MY EXAM DAY AFTER TOMMORROW AND I WAS LOOKING FOR SUCH TIPS ACTUALLY THE FIFTH ONE WAS REALLY GOOD!!
Krum
just chillax college buds. exams on work is more stressful than school test. look, il be taking an online exam. 1 hour to go.. really. what u have to do is read and stuck it on ur brain. that’s it! hope for the best! things happen for a reason so getting A or F (hooppe nooot) just be it. u will certainly learn from it!
Prachi
I m an undergrad science student.. I just screwed my exam today, I don’t know what is wrong with me.. I forget everything as I enter the exam hall.. I used to be a very good student but now all my confidence has gone.. Feeling like a dumb.. The ppl i used to consider not so intelligent are scoring like anything.. I have nothing left with.. feeling so empty…
Wilna Bahnemann
I was so despondent this evening. So I Googled stress and exams…and read this! Thank you. It really is very helpful and I agree with all you’ve suggested. When I read about the “avoid stressed out people” I just sighed, ’cause I’ve had just that for the past 7 days at a temporary job – everyone in management is so stressed out you can cut it with a knife! Not what I needed a week before writing 2 very important exams (at the age of 44). So, thanks a mill.
Abdifatah
Hey am 4th yr nursing studnt in KMTC kitui campus i thnk diz tipz wil help me alot thnx
Archie
My final exams for my first year are this week…was feeling terribly down and so ..like many of the others I googled exams and stress.. and was directed to these fantastic tips. Hopefully I do well :D Thank you for you healthy eating tips, I just realized how much junk I’ve been eating while studying!
Sad student
“Just say NO….I don’t mean to drugs”
At a time that seems so dark (aka finals week)…I actually laughed.
Thanks for the tips.
vasavi
really ur tips are stress busting……..thank u
Parker
Cal 2 final tomorrow… flipping female balls… well trying not to thanks to your great tips!
HeartMaster
Ok his will get me through my final exam…..I hope….. I’m in 7th grade by who gives a crap? And I think that math is the hardest so when I take it and before I will follow these steps. Ty for your help. And now I’m going to Ace that test!
Tomas
thai chi, yoga
Some food suplements can help: Lecithin, Extract from Bacopa monnieri leaf, phospholipids, vinpocetine,huperzin A,gingko, vitamin B, vitamin C, DMAE, Phosphadyl serine, royal gelly …
alya
it works for me n i think i should do that every of my examination so i could get more marks
Stoich91
This is fantastic!
Helena
Thanks!
This website has helped me a lot !
exams start in 3 days for me !!!!!!!!!!
Tushar
I have my 1st trimester on 10th sept and 9 days remaining, your tips did help me by giving it a boost. thanks … I am nervous because m the only one in family to earn, n this is my last chance to study. m persuing my 2 year full time MBA in India.
SONU JEE
NICE TIPS
Jane
So stressed still, only hjave like less than 2 weeks left and havnt practised much.
mk
Final exam week within 2 days!! Thanks for the tips!!
RS
Man I’m gonna try this, I’m going through a tough time in my exam, I’ve failed for my first time last time but I WILL do well this once
Man
I’ve got 3 exams coming up, on HUGE project due in 5 days that I haven’t started, and on top of that, I have issues and problems with my Family, and relationships. So much I can’t take it, I’ve considered suicide. :’(
Blair
Ehm actually the tips here are really motivating and thanks for these tips they have been helpful
Jessica
My huge exam is tomorrow, actually it is the checkpoint exam, the thing that stresses me out is that I am new to this system I’ve never studied it before, and when I went to apply to a new school they gave me absolutely nothing to study from, so I depended on the past papers and I really think that it is not enough, and I really feel that I’m going to fail ;((((
Amy S.
I have a final exam for my math class on Tuesday morning.. Im so nervous! i need to pass this exam so i can pass the class and graduate! Im like freaking out about it and Im for sure using these tips to get through it! thank you!