Young people may often feel like their lives are blighted by exams. From the minute they enter the school system they are consistently tested. Students are aware that successful results will enable them to progress and prosper. Every academic institution’s schedule is punctuated by exams and many students feel exam stress makes up a large part of their college experience. Sarah Mc Namara, author of “Stress in Young People: What’s New and What Can We Do?” suggests converting worry into action and keeping things in perspective.

However, it would be impossible to eliminate exam stress completely, but whether tested weekly or twice a year students can follow these guidelines and feel more confident in exams:

Prioritize your time:

 Time management is essential when your life becomes hectic. Exams can throw anyone’s schedule completely off and this disarray can led to unnecessary stress. Make a timetable that you can consult and live by, if only for a few weeks. Effectively organizing your timetable, fitting in study around your everyday agenda, can add stability to the exam period and enable you to retain a sense of normality that will combat stress. It will also structure your study plan, allowing you to prioritize certain subjects in accordance with the date of the exam. For example: dedicate Monday to marketing, Tuesday to business plans etc. If you want to go further you could break down your plan even more you could allocated certain subjects to certain days and certain topics to certain times.

Try to find a schedule that works for you. Certain students may feel more comfortable breaking up study of a one subject with another, while other may choose to dedicate entire days to one topic. Remember to estimate how long it will take you to effectively cover all topics, and begin implementing your plan in due time.

Keep in mind also that no matter how effectively you plan your schedule you will always feel more confident in some areas than others and unless you are an expert at time management, life can interfere and you may not be able to stick to the plan rigidly. If this happens do not beat yourself up but work around the obstacles and try settle back into a routine when they have been overcome. Time management in the actual exam is also crucial.

Be healthy

All nighters, Hours in the library, Poor sleep. This can all trigger cravings for a quick pick me up but as much as you try to refrain from junk food binges when studying, it is difficult. It can be exceedingly hard to cook a healthy meal when you are exhausted, with aching shoulders, after hours in front of a computer screen. Low energy levels related to stress and lack of sleep will contribute to these cravings and if possible, you should not give in. Eating healthy food will mean that you are more efficient and proactive. Sarah Mc Namara  explains: “Getting into the habit of eating breakfast, particularly before an exam, and eating regular healthy snacks and meals will keep blood sugar level stable.” Caffeine and junk food will offer an initial burst of energy but will ultimately lower your blood sugar and cause sluggishness.

Sleep is also hugely important during the exam period. Sleep allows your brain to process and digest the stimulation of the day. Getting enough sleep will mean you start the day with a clear head and also means that you have the energy needed for this busy time. Try to avoid alcohol during the exam period, (you can make up for it after!) as alcohol kills brain cells and drastically affects attentiveness. If you feel you are becoming too stressed and need a perk, avoid cravings and take a shower, go for a walk or take a break.

Study efficiently

While most of the others are well established stress relievers, and can be applied in more circumstances, this tip relates specifically to college and high school students. One of the most overlooked resources when studying for an exam can be found in past exam papers. When reviewing past papers certain patterns can be seen. Examiners usually include reoccurring themes or questions. Being aware of the most popular exams questions for your subject will give you an advantage. If you can recognize the patterns of what questions appear when and how the questions are phrased, you will not be so overwhelmed in the actual exam.

Be aware also that professors and teachers often drop substantial hints in the weeks leading up to exams. Pay special attention when a teacher emphasizes certain topics. Professors want you to succeed in your exam and it is acceptable to email them or ask them for tips or hints that will aid your exam preparation. Also remember to know your subject. If you are studying medicine your study pattern will be different to a student of psychology.

Be realistic

Students feel pressure from several sources: parents, peers, teachers and themselves. Setting realistic study goals before the exam will give students something besides the exam to work towards, and also adds structure to this stressful time. Students should surround themselves with positive people, who do not amplify the stressful situations. Some students find that interacting and studying with their peers can heighten their stress levels while others learn best in group situations.

Parents, like students, react differently to stressful situations. Inform your parents of your goals and study plan and reassure them that you will do your best. This should be enough for them and they should only encourage you. If you feel like your parents are putting undue pressure on you then you should express this to them. If you feel still feel stressed studying at home then go to the library.  Teachers can also add to this stress. It is more difficult to express to a teacher when you feel pressurized so try remembering that they are ultimately there to help. If you feel extremely stressed by your teachers then tell them, your parents or a guidance counselor.

Knowing the exam format will also aid you. Remember to read the questions carefully and be aware that you can alter the answers you have learned to fit the question asked.

Be realistic and honest with yourself, focusing on what works for you.  Ultimately, students should put exams into perspective; while they are important they are not the definitive aspect of your future.  Be realistic about how much study you can do and about the results you will get. Do your best, exams can always be retaken but it may not be so easy to relieve the anxiety caused by them.

Remember that everyone else is, or has been, in a similar situation. Exam fear is a common element of school life and when you learn the techniques that work for you, you can reduce this stress dramatically.