BANTU OF VAAL by Katucia Moussongo Bitsaka 2 | Page 22

SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU
WITH EXAM STRESS
Stressed out about exams? Stress can show itself in many ways. Some o
the common signs are your heart racing, stomach cramps, trouble
sleeping, losing your appetite or overeating. Here are some tips to help
you chill out.
1. Start studying early 2. Have a plan to manage your time
The most important thing to do is to stay
focus. Yes always!
Start studying as soon as your teacher
announces the exam. Even before that,
read over your notes after each class to
make sure you understand them. Put the
notes in your own words.
You can prepare even more by thinking of
questions that your teacher might ask on
an exam. Write the questions down and
answer them after your class is finished.
This will make studying easier. Cramming all night doesn't usually work.
Plan your study time ahead so you'll feel
confident for the exam.
Therefore, plan to have enough time to
study; about 50 minutes at a time with five
or 10-minute breaks. Have a snack, watch
some TV or go for a walk. Study so you
understand the material and not just to
memorize it. Plan to study in a place where
you can concentrate without distractions.
3.Be healthy 5.Chill out, try these relaxation
techniques
Studies show that taking the time to get
some exercise and eating healthy
improves performance on exams. So get
out and get moving. When we're stressed
we sometimes want to eat junk food but
eating healthy will actually make you feel
better.
Also, get enough sleep - especially in the
days before your exam. Good sleep helps
you remember what you learned.
4.Practice, practice, practice
Look for previous exam and test papers. If
there isn't one, make your own. Answer the
questions with friends and grade each
other's work.
Take some time for yourself out. You
don’t have to go to a party or do
something huge. You can just go out for
an ice scream with some friends or a
simple walk.
Whenever a stressful thought pops into
your head, replace it with a positive one.
For example, replace "I'm going to fail this
exam" with "I'm going to study early so I
can ace this exam."
Also, you may want to practice deep
breathing. Take a few deep breaths,
breathing from deep within your
abdomen and not just your chest. Let
them slowly out. This will get more air
into your lungs and will help you relax.