Counseling Education

7 Handy Tips For Coping With Exam Stress

There is hardly anyone in the world that doesn't balk away at exam time. After all, it is that critical time every year or every term which determines whether you are qualified for the coveted degree you have been toiling for day in and day out.

For online degree students, the absence of any regular class schedule means that exam time can be even more challenging and stressful. The right attitude and the right approach, however, can save many tearful nights before the exams.

1. Plan Ahead

Give yourself ample time for preparation. It would be ideal to start planning from any breaks or holidays before your exams so that you have time to utilize your days off as well. Planning will also require you to do a diagnostic assessment and see which topics you know well, which need particular attention and more time, etc. Allocate time to each topic accordingly.

2. Keep Some Time For Revision

Never cram your exam preparation schedule with something new to study right till the last day. Make sure you've allocated a few weeks or days, depending on your coursework, to revise everything you have prepared for the exams. But be realistic and systematic about the revision; some topics will need just skimming through for revision, others may need a detailed studying.

3. Take Leave From Work If Possible

Students of traditional universities may have the benefit of study leaves before exams. But online students who are working as well do not have the advantage of these leaves â€" unless they ask for it. Check if any of your annual and casual leaves can be utilized around your exam time to give you some stress-free time to study.

4. Make Sure All Your Reading Material Is In One Place

All the journal articles, textbooks, past assignments, lecture notes, etc. ought to be in one place. You don't want the added stress of finding that one working paper that your tutor said was particularly important just a day before the exam. Also, create backups for any soft copies of files and reading material.

5. Have Regular Breaks

Taking breaks between study sessions is very important. The human brain's concentration span doesn't stretch over hours and hours. Take regular breaks in the middle of your study session, for example, to have a healthy snack, stretch out a little, etc. But don't make these breaks more than 10 minutes long!

6. Take Care Of Your Health

Good health means a good mind. And a good mind means better concentration. That's why staying fit and healthy during these stressful times is very important. Snack on healthy foods such as fruits and nuts, go for an evening walk every day, avoid excess use of caffeine and alcohol, etc.

7. Go Through Past Papers, Sample Papers and Examiner Reports

There are past exam papers and answers and examiners' comments available for any degree level you may be studying for. Make sure you go through these and solve a few as well. This will also invigorate your mind from just passive reading to some active learning as you solve past exam questions.

Remember that the best way to beat stress is to have a positive can-do attitude. Believe in yourself, and nothing will stop you from passing with flying colors.

Author Bio:

Christine S. Baker is a professional blogger and webmaster. Her main area of focus lies with the educational sector. Check out http://aboutonlinedegrees.org/ for useful information, tips and resources to ensure you earn a degree successfully at your own pace.

Image credit: Jixar on Flickr