1. 1. Words Worth Reading ltd Academic Proofreaders http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/academic-proofreading.php How to Manage Your Pre-exam Nerves As the examination period approaches, you may feel the pressure of the exams getting to you. This is not surprising; in fact it is quite normal to feel some anxiety about exams. Most people find that a bit of pressure spurs us on and enables us to do some serious work. Stress can be caused by a number of things, including: Inadequate rest Poor nutrition Too many stimulants Insufficient exercise Not scheduling available time Not prioritising commitments It is important to manage your stress by addressing these issues.
2. 2. Words Worth Reading ltd Academic Proofreaders http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/academic-proofreading.php Tips for the revision period: 1. It sounds obvious, but it is important to leave plenty of time to revise so that you don't get into a situation of having to do last minute cramming. This approach will help to boost your confidence and reduce any pre-exam stress. I always told my students, Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. 2. Develop a timetable so that you can track and monitor your progress. Make sure you allow time for fun and relaxation so that you avoid exhausting yourself. 3. As soon as you notice your mind is losing concentration, take a short break. You will then come back to your revision refreshed.
3. 3. Words Worth Reading ltd Academic Proofreaders http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/academic-proofreading.php 4. Know when and where you work best. Work when you are most alert. We all have slightly different body clocks are you a night owl or a dawn lark? Everyone has different revision styles maybe you like to sit at a tidy library desk or under the duvet with your laptop. Wherever you feel calm and in control is the best place for dealing with exam stress. 5. Don't drink too much coffee, tea and fizzy drinks; the caffeine will make your thinking less clear. Eat healthily and regularly; your brain will benefit from the nutrients. 6. Don't keep things bottled up. Confiding in someone you trust and who will be supportive is a great way of alleviating stress and worry.
4. 4. Words Worth Reading ltd Academic Proofreaders http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/academic-proofreading.php 7. Eat well. Keeping your blood sugar levels steady so that you dont have energy dips during the day and can sleep well at night is a vital way of dealing with exam stress. Lean protein like chicken, salmon or egg, plenty of veg and carbs that release their energy slowly like wholegrain bread, rice and pasta will keep energy levels steady. 8. Regular moderate exercise will boost your energy, clear your mind and reduce any feelings of stress. Try out some relaxation techniques such as yoga or tai chi; they will help you to sleep better.
5. 5. Words Worth Reading ltd Academic Proofreaders http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/academic-proofreading.php 1. Avoid panic. It's natural to feel some exam nerves prior to starting the exam, but getting excessively nervous is counterproductive as you will not be able to think as clearly. Tips for the exam itself: 2. The quickest and most effective way of eliminating feelings of stress and panic is to close your eyes and take several long, slow deep breaths. Breathing in this way calms your body and mind. 3. If your mind goes blank, don't panic! Panicking will just make it harder to recall information. Try moving on to another question and return to this question later.
6. 6. Words Worth Reading ltd Academic Proofreaders http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/academic-proofreading.php 4. After the exam, don't spend endless time criticising yourself or thinking about where you went wrong. Often our own self-assessment is far too harsh. Congratulate yourself for the things you did right, learn from the bits where you know you could have done better, and then move on. We hope these tips help you get through the difficult exam period. Good luck and stay calm. Remember to keep the exams in perspective, they might seem like the most crucial thing right now but, in the grand scheme of your whole life, they are only a small part. And soon, youll be celebrating when the exams are over!
7. 7. Words Worth Reading ltd Academic Proofreaders http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/academic-proofreading.php For all of your student and academic proofreading needs, call Words Worth Reading on 01206 266766 - 08:00 - 18:00, 7 days a week