Exam Nerves, Study Stress and Preparation
for the Big Day

Sorry, but there’s no magic short cut to really knowing your stuff and applying that knowledge on examination day. But there are plenty of ways to make the journey easier for yourself. Find out about practical steps you can take to help the revision process.

Hopefully you will already know what suits you in terms of revision, and whether you are primarily a visual, kinaesthetic or auditory learner.

However your learning and performance will be hampered if you find it difficult to focus, if the pressure is losing you sleep, if you’re stressing out over your studies, or if you’re over anxious about the exam itself.

If you are spending too much time worrying about your studies or your exams, if you are feeling low in confidence and self esteem, if you are panicky or feeling depressed or anxious, then you know you will not be in a good learning state.

Neither will you make much progress if you have trouble with your motivation. You could be someone who will do anything to avoid getting down to some good solid revision. The most mundane of tasks somehow becomes fascinating if it can delay the moment when you just have to get started and apply yourself to revision.

Even if you are very conscientious, revise well and know your material, all that effort could be wasted if you are so anxious in the exam that you can’t put your thoughts together in a coherent enough form to answer the questions.

If your exams are really getting on top of you, it’s worth giving me a call to find out how a few sessions with Life Changes Now can help you get back on course, relieve your stress, enhance your learning processes and performance, and generally prepare you for the success you deserve.

If you want to make a start now you could try our recording Change Your Mind About Exams. It will help you:-

• Learn to really relax

• Focus on your learning

• Improve your concentration

• Think positively about your exam

• Prepare yourself to be the best you can be on the big day

The recording is available direct as a download for £9.95 or if you don’t have that facility, we can send you a CD for £14.45 including p&p.

Change Your Mind about Exams as a download, £9.95:

Change Your Mind About Exams as a CD, £14.45:

Remember, it comes with a 30 day money back guarantee; if during that time you don’t agree that the recording is helping you prepare for your exams, then simply let us know, and we’ll refund your money immediately. No hassle and no delay.

Exams – 10 Simple Steps for Success!

1. Although it might seem like displacement activity it does help your focus if you create a revision timetable.  Try to plan about 40 mins focused revision at a time, marking in the different subjects you need to cover.  Allow time for meals, breaks and interruptions as well as some leisure and exercise time each day.

2. Do plan ahead early enough to get through the material. It will help you feel much more in control and you can afford to build in free time. This can always be used for back up if something unexpected gets in the way of your work. Be realistic about what you think you can achieve and don’t cram your day with revision from dawn to dusk.

3. Take regular breaks. Allow yourself a 10 minute break after each 40 minute slot.  This should be enough to refresh your brain and you can spend it how you like, making sure you don’t lose track of time.  Hours and hours of solid revision will not be as productive as shorter bursts.  If you break up the time this way you are more likely to remember what you learned. More sessions with more breaks equals more remembering.

4. Find a quiet place to study. It is a good idea to avoid distractions such as TV, Internet, and family conversations.  If you don't have much space in the house, or if you find it helpful anyway, use an MP3 player and play music that helps you to concentrate. Keep it low in volume and don’t listen to anything that makes you feel tired or distracted.

5. Write Summary Notes.  If you have a lot of information to absorb, writing brief notes really helps with revision. Be creative with your revision notes – inspire yourself by using colour, pictures, diagrams, mind maps – even sing the words if it helps  What ever works for you. If you can find a way to enjoy this process you will learn much better.

6. Be kind to yourself. Make sure you get some exercise and fresh air every day.  Get to bed in good time, leaving at least half an hour between your last revision period and going to bed. During that time just do something relaxing like reading a novel (for pleasure) or having a bath. Make sure you eat well, drink plenty of water, and avoid too much caffeine, particulary if you are getting stressed or anxious. Caffeine will only make it worse.

7. Don’t study when you’re tired, upset or angry.  Very little will go in if you are in a negative state of mind. If you're tired, rest. If you are upset or angry, go for a brisk walk, phone a supportive friend, watch 30 mins of TV which will take your mind off what's bothering you. It can take a bit of practice but if you can focus on something positive for a while you will find the mood clears and that you are fit for working again.

8. If you can, avoid emotional arguments altogether.  Exam time is stressful enough. And it's not only you. Your teachers, your fellow students and your nearest and dearest at home will also be feeling the strain. Normal everyday misunderstandings can easily get blown out of proportion. If you find yourself getting into an emotional exchange, find a graceful way to get out.

9. Remember to chill. A few minutes on your own, in peace and quiet, helps you to feel grounded again.

10. Never forget that life continues after the exams. Although this is an intense time for you, it doesn’t really last that long. You know that investing your time now will pay off in the future. But whatever happens, it isn't the end of the world.  You will find in life that there are always more opportunities which open up for you, often in ways you never imagine.  Just do the best you can do for now.