Exam season is upon us and perhaps you, your child or someone you know is preparing to take the GCSEs or A levels.

It’s a stressful time and different students deal with the exam intensity in different ways; some get really anxious (even anxiety attacks in extreme cases) and others just breathe through it. But the fact is almost everyone feels some kind of worry in their minds about a major exam that they’re going take in a few months. This is normal and shows that you actually care about it. 

Nonetheless, there are simple things that we all can do to ease the stress and anxiety associated with exams.

Firstly, the key to minimizing the anxiety and the stress that a person may be feeling as an exam date gets nearer is preparation. Yes, preparation! Especially when you start early. Early preparation is crucial because it allows sufficient time to cover everything in the lesson plan way ahead of the paper. Hence, every piece of information being read weeks before the exam would feel like déjà vu because your brain has already registered it.

Secondly, make conscious efforts to be informed. It is important to be abreast with vital information about the exams such as dates, venue, etc. You should have an idea about what the exam timetable looks like ahead of the exams. Provisional timetables are very helpful and don’t change much on the actual timetable. Familiarize yourself with your exam timetable; know when you have a paper and at what time. You know what they say, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. So, when you’re well informed, you’re in control of your preparation process. Usually, one of the reasons people suffer from anxiety is a lack of control over their circumstances.  

Thirdly, have a plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Make a plan for revision and how best to maximize time and resources ahead of the exam. Plan for rest and recuperation as well. Revision timetables are a great way to plan your time.

Fourthly, stay healthy. A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. You must make a conscious effort to take care of yourself around this time. Eat well, exercise and have enough rest. Remember, the brain is able to retain more when the body is at its optimum.

Practice these tips or share them with someone who may need them and watch them walk into the exam with confidence.