"Anxiety happens when you think you have to figure out everything at once. Breathe. You're strong. You got this. Take it day by day." -Karen Salmansohn
Anxiety is one of the most paralysing feelings in the world. No matter what you are going through, big or small, it grabs hold of you and makes you think you are not strong enough or competent enough to continue doing something. It's an irrational feeling that may appear when alone, with another person, or, for many, when surrounded by a large group of people.
As someone who has occasionally dealt with extremely anxious moments, I can only sympathise with those who have to cope with it every single day of their life. However, remember, you are not alone. According to recent estimates from psychologists, there are more than 8 million people across Canada who have cases of anxiety.
And while we could go on and on about the causes of anxious thoughts and remedies to deal with chronic anxiety in today's increasingly stressful world, let us turn our attention to a type of anxiety that stops Uni students in their tracks: test anxiety!
Scary and 100% real, exam anxiety is prevalent in dorms all across the nation. And, honestly, who can blame the students, exams really suck sometimes!
However, there is no need to fear the worst and approach exam rooms sobbing since there are brilliant solutions and strategies to deal with exam anxiety. Such as? Keep on reading to discover Superprof's top 10 strategies for coping with exam stress; we got you covered, dear students!
Have a Study Schedule
Time management makes all the difference when trying to study and reduce anxiety efficiently. By planning and creating a schedule with your classes, social activities, and work periods, you will fill all the extra spots with study sessions that cannot be replaced with less important leisure activities.
Also, by seeing your study schedule on a piece of paper, you know what needs to be done and will feel bad if you don't fully commit.
Make a priority list of topics that need to be studied and how long each week. The importance of a study schedule cannot be stressed enough since you will feel in control of your life and less stressed about future examinations.
Find a Study Buddy
When I asked one of my best friends, who is currently studying at uni, what he does to reduce stress, the first thing that came to his mind was a study buddy. Is he wrong? Definitely not! The idea of a partner in crime from your program where there is mutual support is brilliant since you can help them with your strong points, and they can help you with your weak points.
Having a study partner can be likened to a lifeline that keeps you afloat during stressful periods.
It is important to mention that a study buddy is much better than a study group since a group can quickly get out of hand and contribute to causing more anxiety than previously anticipated.
Revise Only the Important Points
For every Uni class, there is unique information, a lot of study notes, and plenty of textbooks; all of this makes the review process very stressful and overwhelming. How can a downward spiral of anxious thoughts be avoided? By only focusing on the main points, the important stuff.
It doesn't take long to recognise during lectures, and by studying textbooks which points are more important than others, your professor might even tell your specific things to study! Therefore, pay attention to what is important, don't sweat the small stuff and focus on the big picture. By doing this, you will avoid the possibility of being overwhelmed, which causes a lot of anxiety.
Practice Previous Exam Questions
By reviewing the questions and your answers of past exams, you slowly start to remember what you did wrong and how you can fix your mistakes and train of thought during the upcoming examinations. Practising past exam questions reduces stress and anxiety for many reasons. Such as? The following are a few reasons:
- You recognise your teacher's style and anticipate what might be featured on imminent exams,
- You develop a healthy attitude toward past mistakes since you work toward correcting your understanding,
- You put yourself in examination mode and realise it's not the end of the world!
Take Breaks
We aren't robots created with a purpose or programmed to complete specific tasks; therefore, we need to have fun to let loose and not get so worked up about upcoming exams.
And, although the material to review on your desk seems endless, you should not push yourself beyond your limits to achieve the impossible since exhaustion will only cause more frustration and prevent you from retaining key concepts. So, when feeling slightly anxious, take a break and do something that you actually enjoy, such as listening to music, taking a walk, calling a friend, etc.
It's proven that breaks don't have to be too long to reset the brain and reduce anxiety, a short ten minutes usually suffices.
Turn Off Your Phone While Studying
Did you know that everyday items such as your phone can be your worst enemy when studying for exams? We're sure you probably did, but it's sometimes fun to reiterate to cause a little drama!
While a cell phone serves many purposes that we cannot live without, they are extremely distracting when studying for exams and cause us to lose valuable time, which later makes us anxious since we realise how far behind we are in reviewing valuable information.
So, to feel like your not missing out on fun events around campus which will get you distracted, turn off your phone and put it away. You won't regret it when you are ahead of your study schedule and feeling as fresh as a daisy!
Hit the Gym
The benefits and positive advantages of exercise cannot be stressed enough, and it doesn't matter if you're a senior or a teenager. It's a simple, straightforward, and irrefutable fact that those who enjoy an active lifestyle will live longer and be happier.
Therefore, to reduce the anxiety of impending exams, and look fads during summer months at the beach, hit the gym a couple of times a week.
You'll feel a lot less anxious, and since you'll be in tip-top shape, your body will not feel the aching pains of sitting down for most of the day studying, and you'll have stronger defences for flu season; nothing provokes more stress than feeling unwell during exam periods.
Go to Bed and Get Some Sleep
Although it seems unreasonable to suggest that an insanely busy student with a full course load should chill and get some sleep, a good night's sleep is essential for surviving Uni or college.
Students, please listen to this next part: it's illogical to expect to be in good shape the next day for classes and upcoming exams if you pulled an all-nighter studying.
Just one sleepless night during the week can drastically affect your sleep schedule, mood, and stress levels for the next few days. So, listen to the experts and try to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. You'll thank us come examination time when you feel well-rested and stress-free!
Have a Dedicated Study Area
Whether it's your favorite table at the campus library, a secret nook at a local cafe, or your dorm room desk, having a dedicated study space dramatically increases productivity which reduces stress at the same time; win-win!
Also, it's important to mention that having a repeat study area that suits your unique needs is a huge plus. So, try to find out what you like and determine if you need a little background music, the sound of others speaking near you, or a quiet room with absolutely no noise. We're all different, so the choice is up to you, and there is no wrong answer!
It has been proven that when studying in the same space, you will more easily remember the last information acquired in your review zone.
Talk to a Tutor or a Trusted Teacher
Although Uni professors and teaching aids are notoriously busy with barely any space in their schedule to meet with students, be adaptable and try to get at least a few minutes before an important exam to ask the teacher and make sure that you understand the material that will be covered.
How does that help? Well, it greatly reduces anxious thoughts since you will know what strategy to adopt and how to prepare effectively. Also, by letting your teacher know that you are feeling anxious, they might have sympathy for you and suggest some tips and tricks to cope with stress and ensure success.
But what if none of your professors has the time to meet with you? Well, hire a private tutor! Personal tutors are qualified individuals who know the stresses and anxieties faced before an examination. The expertise that tutors possess and the advice they provide to stressed-out Uni students equip all with review techniques and unique study methods.
What Causes Exam Anxiety Among Students?
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has described the possible causes of anxiety in students to stem from these things:
Inadequate preparation
It's common for students to feel stressed when they realize they haven't prepared well enough to guarantee success in the upcoming examination. Even the ones that may have prepared well enough may experience fear gripping their self-confidence as the day of the exam approaches.
- Poor success history
Students with poor success rates in previous examinations may experience exam anxiety faster than those who have always passed their tests. Such memories of previously failed examinations may trigger fear and lower your self-confidence in the long run.
- Fear of failure
It's common to find students feeling pressured due to an upcoming examination. This could be an unhealthy fear of failure that could lower your self-confidence. Even if you are well prepared for the exam, such fear could make you forget important points while writing the exam.
However, exam anxiety doesn't affect all students. Research has shown that perfectionists are often a victim of this experience. This is because they have set themselves above a certain standard, and they think they can't afford to fail no matter what. This feeling of overconfidence could be the beginning of failure for them.
If any of these scenarios describes your situation, all hope is not lost yet. You can overcome exam anxiety if you seek professional help right away. One of the common ways to find help fast is to hire the services of a competent tutor near me that offers homework help to help you overcome such anxiety. Please continue reading to see how to go about it.
Tips for Finding the Best Tutoring Service in the Neigborhood
Before you seek the services of a private tutor, finding a tutor that suits your needs is a walk in the park. But it isn't. You may need help finding the perfect tutor for your needs if you consider some critical criteria. So, here is how to find an expert tutoring service for your academic needs.
- Identify your needs
Your search for the best tutoring service may only be successful if you identify your needs first. In addition, you may need clarification about the correct type of tutor to hire and what to watch out for before engaging in their services. Hence, before you begin searching, it's best to identify your reasons for hiring a tutor.
What goals do you hope to meet eventually? What is your budget? How long will you need the tutoring service? And so much more questions you must find answers to beforehand.
Ask your parents and friends
Before you begin your search, it isn't out of place to ask your relatives, loved ones and friends if they know anyone that might befit the position. This is extremely important if you don't want to waste time searching offline and online for a tutor. Your loved one or friend might refer you to someone they know.
- Use a tutoring platform
Online tutoring platforms like Superprof are a goldmine when searching for a tutor for exam prep. Within minutes of your search, you can easily find a tutor that suits your needs and budget. So, whether you want to join a group of other students or prefer personalized lessons at your convenience, Superprof connects experienced tutors with students within seconds.
Now that you know how to find the best tutoring service near me, what should you expect when you hire a coach?
What to Expect from a Private Tutoring Service?
Private tutoring may come at a cost. On most occasions, you may have to budget for it. However, this could make you more accountable and have some expectations for your self-investment. Here are some things you should expect from a private tutoring service you hired.
- A comfortable learning environment
When you opt for private lessons, one of the things you should look forward to is your comfort during the lessons. Unless you are using your preferred location, if you are using your tutor's home or other places they choose, you should ensure you are comfortable with the environment.
If you are uncomfortable meeting a tutor in their home, you should let them know so you both can work out a venue that is convenient for you both.
- Good communication skills
You want a tutor that understands your needs when you express yourself using a word, don't you? Such expert tutors are relatively easy to find on Superprof. Although it's normal to ask questions during lessons, one of the things you should expect from your tutor is impeccable communication skills.
- Focus
It would help if you observed that the tutor focused on your learning. Are they always on a call during lessons or pressing their phone? It's a sign of distraction that could affect the lessons. When a tutor is focused, it encourages the student to put more effort into learning which automatically translates to success.
- Planning and organization
You should be aware of the plan followed before and during each lesson. Before each class starts, the tutor should explain the objectives of the lesson and what you will learn after completing them.
It's never appropriate for a student to feel lost during a lesson or not know the direction the class is going.
- Feedback
Irrespective of your level, you should expect constructive feedback for your mistakes as you learn. Whether you are revising for exam prep or learning a challenging topic, your tutor should be able to provide clear feedback on where you made mistakes and see you correct them.
Should You Find a Tutor Near me for Exam Prep?
Definitely, but tutoring is only for some. There are many reasons why people hire a tutor for exam prep. Most want all the academic help they can get to succeed in their examinations. If you are 100% confident in your abilities and feel you will pass your exams with or without the help of a tutor, then go for it!
Hiring a tutoring service for exam prep has a lot of benefits. However, from experience, it's common to find students confident in their study efforts only to discover that they need to prepare using a different approach when they eventually hired a tutor.
A tutor cannot replace your class teacher or teach you everything you are supposed to learn in the classroom. They are only meant to provide close guidance, mentorships and monitoring to help you succeed academically.
Hiring a tutor for exam prep may cost money, but it's worth every cent spent. If you are looking for someone you can rely on for homework help, you can trust the tutors on Superprof. Many expert teachers can dedicate their time to seeing you succeed at school.
How Often Should You Hire a Tutor for Exam Prep?
This is a common question on the lips of many students. There is no maximum limit on the frequency of hiring a tutor. Whether you want to hire for exam prep or general studies, the onus is on you to engage as often as you please.
Generally, most students seek a tutor's services when preparing for an upcoming exam, and they want to prepare adequately for it. On the other hand, others see it necessary to hire a tutor anytime the need homework help or find it difficult to understand a particular topic in class.
So, we ask again, how often you need a tutor for exam prep? No matter the frequency, the tutors on Superprof are always available to help you solve specific challenges with your studies. There is more to hiring a tutor than you think. These experts got all you envision in a tutor. More so, their rates are super affordable, and you will be more than happy to seek help another time.
Hire a Superprof tutor today for an affordable price and at a time and place most convenient for you to talk about solutions to reducing stress and getting fantastic marks on final exams.
In conclusion, it is important to keep in mind that feeling a little bit of nervousness before an exam is normal and actually improves concentration and attentiveness. Nevertheless, we sincerely hope that the advice provided in today's article will help reduce the majority of significant disquieting thoughts that are experienced before assessments. Stay strong; you've got this!
What about using flashcards? Does that help one study? Click this link to find out more!
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