When it comes to exams, tension levels are higher for students. In order to excel with flying colours, students would have to know their theories, historic occurrences, mathematical formulas, and many more things depending on the subjects they take. Strict learning routines allow less time for relaxation and enjoyment as priority is given to revision during test season. Thus, it is understandable when many students feel stress because they do not know how to handle anxiety attacks during the waiting period. Therefore, we have come up with a few tips on how to overcome post-test anxiety below:
Student having anxiety due to exam preparations
1. Do not compare answers with your peers.
This form of retrospective thinking is an easy way to trigger anxiety. Comparing answers with peers can lead to thinking that you could have done more to score better. Keep in mind that not everyone is the same and will interpret the answer to the same question multiple ways. You may have answered differently from your peers, but it does not mean your answer is unsatisfactory, especially if you have put in the appropriate amount of preparation.
2. Reward yourself for your hard work.
This is one of the best and most natural ways to relieve anxiety. When you reward yourself, your brains secrete higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, the happy hormones. Regardless of how you think you have performed in your test, give yourself a pat in the back for your hard work. Take a long nap to give your body and mind the much-needed rest. Indulge in your hobbies, hang out with friends, watch your favourite movies or TV shows, or participate in physical activities. By doing so, your mind and body will know how to overcome post-test anxiety once you occupy yourself with some relaxing activities.
3. Speak with someone you trust about your feelings.
For many people, it is not so easy to cope with anxiety unless they have talked it out with someone. They need a sounding board, in a manner of speaking. If you are such a person, seek out someone you trust to talk it over. It could be a friend or a family member. Counsellors attached to institutes of education are usually well-equipped to help students with natural ways to relieve anxiety, especially after test season. Speaking to a counsellor can be helpful as they can teach students how to handle anxiety attacks.
4. Stay away from social media and discussion sites.
It goes without saying that the herd mentality and a competitive streak in the human race will inevitably urge people to compare one another’s achievements. With the rise of social media and discussion sites, it is inevitable that the topic of the test will come up, with people expounding on the best ways to have answered the question. It would be a good idea to stay away from these sites to avoid stirring any negative emotions.
5. Think of multiple education pathways.
It is never too early to start thinking about your academic progression. Time spent on overthinking test results can instead be more productively used to explore courses of interest. Reach out to colleges and universities that offer the courses you are interested in. Talk to them about campus culture and lifestyle. Seek out people who have graduated from the courses you are interested in to get a better understanding of what you will undergo. This will relieve the unnerving feeling by giving you something to look forward to.
Learning how to overcome anxiety healthily after a test or exam should not be overlooked. At INTI, we provide quality counselling services for our students as we believe in a holistic approach towards higher education. Enrol at INTI today!