Reference: studytimenz

1. Positive habits

You might likely find that you’re forming habits that are making you feel worse. It’s common to slip into patterns like prioritising last-minute study over sleep, getting caught up in intrusive thoughts, or not talking to anyone for days.

Try to get some fresh air and exercise each day.

2. Get into an exam routine

Here are some practical ideas to try out:

• Stop studying at a set time the night before to wind down and get eight to nine hours sleep.

• Wake up at an appropriate time on the day and have a nutritious breakfast.

• Go over your checklist.

• Visualise the exam — what you’re going to feel, how’s it going to go down, what you might write.

• Listen to hype music or calming music (whichever suits you best).

• Watch something on YouTube you find motivating.

• Write down your worries and then leave them at home.

• Eat something nutritious before the exam.

• Water is the best fuel for your brain in terms of hydration.

3. Prioritise Sleep

Aim to get sufficient sleep the night before your exam.

4. Talk with friends and older students.

It’s really important that we have a support network around us that’s built up with people who make us feel better, not worse.

5. Use some breathing exercises to reduce your stress before you begin an exam.

Inhale through your nose gently for two seconds.

Hold your breath in for one second.

Breathe out through your mouth slowly for four seconds.

Repeat a few times and you should feel a difference in your mood and heart rate.