As we approach examinations, we start to see an increase in stress and anxiety, related to preparing for and writing the exams. There have been countless articles about some of the popular ways to remedy this. I thought it beneficial to give you, the students and parents, some of the easiest and most effective practices that I have found.
1. Control your breath; control your mind
If you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed, chances are that your breath is shallow and fast. This activates your “fight or flight” response, which shuts down the areas of the brain responsible for memory and problem solving.
An easy and powerful technique to achieve a state of calm quickly is known as the "physiological sigh," which can be found using this link.
2. Cultivate a mindfulness practice
A mindfulness practice is used to develop present state awareness and focus. It is also great for reducing stress and anxiety, promoting calmness.
There are many meditation apps out there, including Headspace, Insight Timer and Calm. My preference is Insight Timer since it is free, but here are some options for guided meditations for students:
Focus can also be achieved doing mindful movement, such as Tai Chi, Chi Gong or Yoga.
3. Listen to the Tim Ferriss podcast on learning
You may not have heard of Tim; however, he has a proven track record of optimising learning dynamics. Here’s the URL for his podcast: https://tim.blog/2016/10/06/the-art-and-science-of-learning-anything-faster/
Listen to it, summarise it, and apply it! It could make all the difference, and believe me, it works.
Try these three tricks and stick with them. These are proven to work in reducing anxiety and stress as well as enhancing resilience to improve performance under pressure.
I wish you all the best in your exams! Your time is now.
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