The Library has a range of self-help resources when it comes to preparing for exams and managing your time effectively. On exam day, it is important that you look after your physical and mental well-being.
Here are some tips to help alleviate stress on exam day:
Eat well and get a good night’s sleep
Sleep is essential for good health, especially the night before each exam. Be sure to get a full eight hours! On the morning of your exam, be sure to start your day with breakfast and avoid excess caffeine. Nutrition Australia explains the benefits of having breakfast to improve your energy levels, memory and concentration.
Don’t cram
Cramming creates more tension and stress, which will not help you remember or perform better in your exam. So, when it comes to exam day, stop studying!
Focus on mindfulness
Everybody talks about mindfulness—and there’s a reason for that. A cluttered mind can cause further stress when it comes time to sit an exam. Mindfulness may include 10 minutes of meditation and deep breathing. You might also like to exercise before your exam—go for a walk, a swim, a run—to help clear your mind and reduce stress.
Manage your time
Developing a plan during your exam is just as important as your study plan leading up to the exam. A 20-mark question warrants more time than a 5–mark question. Be sure to read the exam instructions carefully, pace yourself and answer every question. It’s better to have written something than nothing.
Still stressed?
No matter how prepared you are for an exam, it’s hard to avoid some anxiety. However, by practicing self-care and managing your time, you can alleviate some of that stress. See the Library’s tips on preparing for exams and Griffith University’s Counselling and Wellbeing services’ information sheet on managing exam stress.
