Tips to overcome stress

DEALING with exam stress can lead to anxiety and depression among students. These causes of exam stress often lead to students taking the wrong steps.

For some students dealing with exam pressure seems impossible while for others it comes easy. If you find it difficult to deal with exam tension, then the most important thing to remember is that stressing yourself will only trouble you and prevent you from giving your best. Here are some helpful tips to reduce stress during exams.

1. Begin an early revision: Start reading and revising your work now. Make sure every day you read something. Preparing early helps you touch several concepts covered in the syllabus.

2. Prepare a timetable: Prepare a productive timetable. This will help you plan your studies well. Balance all the subjects as you are preparing for the exam. Each subject should be given adequate attention.

3. Plan for your day: Prepare a timetable for your day. Make sure you know what you will do every day, and utilise every minute. Remember time is money. It’s a valuable asset. The way you use your time today will determine your tomorrow.

4. Stay Positive: Stress gives rise to negativity which in turn increases stress. It is therefore important to counter stressful thoughts. Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Always remember every problem has a solution.

If you have self-doubt or suffer from excessive worry talk to your parents or teachers and find ways to change the negative thoughts into positive ones. This will go a long way in reducing stress during exams.

It will help you study and prepare for your exams with the right attitude.

5. Get a good sleep: Many students pull an all night before and during the exam period. This is unhealthy. You will be depriving yourself of adequate sleep. You need healthy sleep to stay mentally and physically healthy. Sleep helps improve memory, and retain and process the information you gain while studying.

6. Exercise: Exercise of any kind helps the mind and body stay active and healthy. Be involved in core curricula activities that are at your school. Most students shy away from sports.

7. Ask for Help: Seek help or guidance from your parents, elder siblings, or teachers if you feel overwhelmed by exam stress and anxiety.

Never try to solve stressful problems by yourself. Share your feelings honestly and freely with your family. They will help find ways to tackle your problem and manage your stress.

8. Avoid sexual relationships: Having sexual relationships during the exams period will distract you. Instead of concentrating on your school work, you will be thinking about your boyfriend/girlfriend. Time for relationships will always be there. At the moment focus on the purpose.

9. Avoid taking Drugs: Drugs are distracters. It’s not true that drugs reduce stress, instead they increase stress. Drugs affect performance, lead to violence, anti-social behaviour, and loss of memory. Drugs also lead you to criminal activities.

Stay focused, and desist from these activities. Remember drugs are addictive, so it’s best to stay away from such hazardous habits.

10. Study with Friends: Studying alone can be boring or stressful. Have a study group or close friends that you will study with. These friends will support you and will cheer you up when exam stress gets overwhelming.

Above all, always talk to the source of life God. God will provide you with strength and wisdom to overcome any negativity that you might encounter.
Dr Manners Msongelwa/ +263771019 392/ Teacher/Youth Coach/ Author.