So you've been studying all night, skipping breakfast, drinking Pepsi nonstop and having back-to-back study sessions with those friends who sure can chat.
Your bed just has enough space left for you to curl up beside musty Math, History and Literature books, your eyes are bloodshot and your Mom is really proud of your new routine.
But only you know that nothing is sinking in, that the 3:00 a.m study sessions that you planned are used for watching BET and that when you get together with friends it's usually to discuss plans for that hiking trip this summer.
Then today, your trusty Math teacher just ruined your study routine by reminding you that these exams will determine whether you move on to college or pack bags at the supermarket full time.
Wake up, he tells you, and you glance at the calendar. It's May 1, you have only one month before CXC exams begin.
Just how well are you handling this highly stressful period of your school life? Are you taking time out to get your eight hours of sleep, are you investing in a good diet, are you developing a mindset to take on the challenges of the examinations? In the mad rush to cover all your topic areas before d-day, you've probably invented a routine of your own which may not include the most important point... how to relax.
TRY IT NOW
Relaxation is different for everyone, but the general idea is to give yourself a break in whatever way you feel comfortable. For many students, stress is brought on by fear and insecurity, some others just don't know how to relax. Here are a couple of ideas to get you back on an even keel.
First believe in yourself.
You probably got past thousands of other students to get a chance at the examinations and you wouldn't have been given a place in the course if you didn't have the ability to do it. Therefore, if you prepare for the exams properly you should do fine, so there is no need to worry excessively.
Don't try to be perfect.
It's great to succeed and reach for the stars but keep things in balance. If you think that anything less than A+ means you've failed then you're creating mountains of unnecessary stress for yourself. Aim to do your best but recognise that none of us can be perfect all of the time.
Take steps to overcome problems.
If you find you don't understand some of your course material, getting stressed out won't help. Instead, take action to address the problem directly by seeing your subject teacher, guidance counsellor or getting help from your classmates.
Don't keep things
bottled up.
Confiding in someone you trust and who will be supportive is a great way of alleviating stress and worry. Parents are usually good listeners at this time because they are often just as excited but they are better at controlling themselves.
Keep things
in perspective.
The exams might seem like the most crucial thing right now, but in the grander scheme of your whole life they are only a small part.
NOW FOR THE HARD PART -
COPING WITH EXAM STRESS
1. Get organised
Prioritise your tasks and time. It's never too late to make a revision plan or timetable, and doing so will help you prioritise and feel more in control. But be realistic! Make a schedule of what needs to get done and when. Tidy up your work space. Experts say a neat desk can make you feel more in control of your work load and less stressed. Create a stress-free atmosphere even while you study.
2. Exercise
As it gets closer to exams, you may feel like you don't have time to exercise, but studies show that physical activity can help alleviate mental stress. Some alternative ways to be active are to:
a. Take the stairs.
b. Walk briskly for 20 minutes during a study break.
c. Put on your favorite DMX hit and jump around and dance for three minutes.
3. Sleep Well
Try to get enough sleep at nights instead of napping in History class during the day. Napping tends to disrupt normal sleeping patterns (and annoy your teachers). Schedule regular breaks, and do take them. Make breaks longer as the day goes on. Remember, most people can only concentrate fully for about 45 minutes at a stretch.
4. Don't overdo it
Don't try to revise for too long in one day, especially as exams draw nearer, and try to avoid revising late at night. Work on your most difficult subjects during your 'peak' periods, usually between 10:00 a.m. and noon, and 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Remember, fatigue promotes anxiety. So spend some time unwinding before you go to bed.
5. Eat well
Cut out chocolate it can make you drowsy. Don't eat heavy meals late in the afternoon and cut back on the cola. Instead, eat lots of fruit and vegetables and a glass of cold milk in the mornings never hurt.
6. Talk to people
Gripe with others taking exams or talk to colleagues who
