The alarm clock rings, day X is here: the exam. You would probably like to pull the blanket over your head again, but it doesn't help. Maybe everything wouldn't be as bad if it weren't for that nasty nervousness, also known as test anxiety, which puts you under additional stress in addition to learning the material. These six tips can help kill a few percent of your fear.
1. Banish negative thoughts
It may sound a little esoteric, but try to think about how well you will do on the exam. The technical term for this is “positive suggestion”. To put it simply: Negative thoughts and feelings that inhibit you and make you nervous are “fighted” with positive thoughts and word formulas. Instead of “I’ll never be able to do that!”, “I can do it, I can do that!” could be used – ideally repeated, as a half-loud or mental soliloquy. This calms and influences the subconscious. It can also be helpful to adopt an upright, confident posture, visualize the sentences written on cards and carry them with you on the big day.
2. Books closed!
Quickly look something up, quickly come up with a definition - no, don't do it! On the morning of the exam, books should remain closed and scripts should no longer be leafed through. Because to be honest: it doesn't really do much good, other than driving yourself even more crazy and noticing any gaps in your knowledge (by the way, the “courage to gap” attitude isn't a flaw.). It's better to use the time before the exam to go for a walk, meditate a bit or have a good breakfast.
3. Energize your body and mind
Exams don't exactly stimulate our appetite, exam anxiety makes our stomachs tighten, and we'd rather just settle down in the bathroom. Nevertheless, you should “force” yourself to eat a healthy meal and drink enough water. Because without energy, the brain cannot produce exhilarating test answers. Depending on what type of person you are, it can also be good to have some company, perhaps your roommate. This reduces your nervousness and gives you other thoughts. Why not plan the after-exam party now?
4. Answer from easy to difficult
So, the exam questions are in front of you. Explore the whole thing and then start with the simplest part. This calms you down, gives you a boost and the feeling that you have a few points on the safe side. This strategically gives you more time for the difficult tasks.
5. Admit the blackout
Yes, it's the ultimate horror scenario: an oral exam, a board in front of your head, no idea what the professor wants from you. Stumbling around isn't the solution here - it's better to state clearly that you've somehow just lost the thread. Maybe they'll be kind enough to give you a short break. Take a deep breath, organize your thoughts, try again. Sometimes hitting the reset button works wonders.
6. Accept test anxiety
Let's be honest: we're all just human, so fear or at least respect for a difficult task is simply part of it. Accepting that and not desperately fighting against it can help a lot. And: Everyone just has a bad day sometimes. Failing an exam doesn't mean the end of the world. It always goes on somehow.
With these tips you can get wet hands and annoying heart palpitations under control.
