It’s exam time! Here Marie Duffy gives you the donegaldaily.com guide to tackling those exams and the stress surrounding them.
Good luck to everyone in the county doing exams over the next couple of weeks.
Here’s our top ten tips:
- Don’t spend the night before an exam cramming. You won’t perform well if you are sleep deprived. Instead get an early night and a good night’s sleep.
- On the morning of the exam, get up early so that you’re not in a rush and make time to have a good substantial breakfast.
- Avoid being late by arriving at the exam room ahead of time. This will allow you to calm your nerves before you go in.
- Don’t try to study whilst waiting to enter the exam room and stay away from anyone who is panicking about the exams. Panic can be contagious- so stay away from people who make you feel worse.
- Once in the exam room take a few deep slow breaths. The calmer and more relaxed you are, the more alert you will be.
- If your mind goes blank, close your eyes for a few moments and take a few deep breaths. This will help you regain your composure.
- Avoid looking at other people. They will always seem to be writing more and appear more confident than you. It’s your exam so just worry about yourself.
- After the exam do not engage in a post-mortem. Don’t focus on questions you were unhappy with, instead, concentrate on what has gone well.
- Don’t put on a brave face. If exam stress is getting you down, let someone know how you’re feeling.
- Take a break before starting to study for the next exam. You’ve earned it!