“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.”― The Body Keeps the Score, 2014
Sometimes, it can be hard to get ready for lots of important, high stakes exams. Anxiety and stress is normal, but you can also reduce some of the pressure by breaking your preparation into smaller parts.
- Make a plan with goals for each week, day, or part of the day.
- Focus on the most important things you need to learn.
- Take your time and don’t try to do too much all at once.
- Don’t try to cram everything in at once – take your time and work steadily towards your goals.
- Use different ways of studying that work best for you, such as creating flashcards, summarizing notes, or taking practice tests.
You may also find it helpful to work with a study group, or seek help from friends, parents, teachers … whoever makes most sense for you. As you progress through each step, check off your accomplishments and celebrate your successes along the way. By taking a stepped approach to preparation, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and gain a greater sense of control over the process.
Your body AND brain need you to be kind to them, so intentionally add these elements to your daily prep schedule …
Eat well! – Stay Hydrated! – Sleep Long! – Take breaks from your device! – Get outside – exercise – breathe!
On the day
It’s crucial to stay focused on the present moment and avoid worrying about the past or future. Try to concentrate on the task you’re working on, and do what you can with each step. With practice, you can develop a sense of confidence and control that can help you deal with the anxiety more effectively.
The MOST important thing to remember through all of this is, you are not alone! Your teachers, friends and families have all got your back. Please talk to us when the feelings get heavy.