Can you picture it? Long rows of individual desks stretched out across your school gym, papers lying face down, exam invigilators watching as people file in. A truly terrifying sight.
Exams can be extremely anxiety-provoking, but they don’t have to be. Here are some top tips to manage and channel exam anxiety before, during and after an exam.
1. Before
Exam day preparation starts the night before, make sure you get a good night's sleep and
follow sleep hygiene practices. 1-2 hours Before an HSC exam make sure that you have
eaten a substantial meal, with a balance of food groups for sustainable energy. Get to your
exam room early, and if possible sit alone. The frantic ‘pre-HSC’ chats often serve to scare
us and increase adrenaline rather than create the calm positivity we need. Remember that
you've prepared properly and keep a positive outlook.
2. During
The most anxiety-provoking part of an exam is often the lead-up and the initial reading of
the paper. As you take your seat remember to take deep breaths, focusing on your breath
will aid in slowing the central nervous system and enabling greater focus on the task at
hand. During reading time remember to take your time processing the questions, often
during exams, we are tempted to approach tasks with frenetic energy, reading time is an
opportunity to centre yourself and take your time reading and planning responses. Before
you know it the exam will be over.
3. After
After an exam, take some time for self-care and remember to be proud of yourself, getting
to the end of the HSC and completing exams is a huge accomplishment! Try not to stay
around people who insist on talking about the contents of the exam, what they did or did
not do will not affect you. Eat your favourite food, decompress and enjoy the freedom of
having completed an exam.
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