Exam Stress

[goldilockz]

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone else is currently sitting exams or studying towards exams and feeling a great deal of stress? I am currently studying for my psychology finals at university and am finding it very difficult to cope, concentrate, get out of bed, calm down, be positive or even just smile and look forward to them finally finishing. I have developed some very bizarre OCD intrusive thoughts and have completely lost my appetite, having to force myself to eat. Studying is difficult but I force myself to do it, but end up being distracted every 5 minutes or so! I was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and if they'd be so kind as to share them with me because I'm really hurting at the moment.
Thanks guys,
Jenny xxx

[Utility]

Hi

Don't know if you have already done this but work out a study plan. Don't do more than a couple of hours at a time for each session because the brain starts to slow down after this. Then have a break before the next couple of hours. Set yourself targets and if you reach them then give yourself small rewards.

Try and study in a distraction free environment because remember the couple of hours uninterupted study is far better than six hours of distractions.

[eeyorelover]

We were just studying exam anxiety and stress in my Psych class.

I'll get some info together and post it.
Maybe it will help.
I have to take my Gram to the doctor or I would post it now :)
xxx
Sandy

[goldilockz]

Hiya,
Yes, I compiled a study plan over a month ago but as the exams are nearing, it's becoming more difficult to stick to somehow! I agree, I should probably study at the library where there's no internet access. Sandy, that would be great thank you, I really appreciate it and look forward to receiving your tips.
Thanks,
Jenny xxx

[Mint_Imperial]

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone else is currently sitting exams or studying towards exams and feeling a great deal of stress? I am currently studying for my psychology finals at university and am finding it very difficult to cope, concentrate, get out of bed, calm down, be positive or even just smile and look forward to them finally finishing. I have developed some very bizarre OCD intrusive thoughts and have completely lost my appetite, having to force myself to eat. Studying is difficult but I force myself to do it, but end up being distracted every 5 minutes or so! I was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and if they'd be so kind as to share them with me because I'm really hurting at the moment.
Thanks guys,
Jenny xxx

Aye, same boat as you really, studying for my finals aswell and struggling to concentrate along with increased levels of OCD [all sorts of handwashing and other rituals].

I've found exercising before sitting down to work helps, a bit of runing helps my concentration a lot. I like working at night aswell, when theres less to distract me (hence im up at writing this at 3.30am), but working late I guess is a lot more dependant on the worker. I've also cut out coke/tea/coffee/stuff with loads and loads of sugar aswell so im not always on a sugar rush or pumped with caffine (been quite a pain in the @rse aswell, as I usually drink lots of tea and eat lots of chocolate).

Only other thing I can suggest is try and remind yourself that theres only a few more weeks work and it'll all be over and then your done for good! Best to work hard for a few weeks and make sure 3 years of work (and a whole load of debt if your anything like me) has paid off :shades:

[LittleWing]

Hi Jenny,
I'm in the same position as you - I'm currently writing up my dissertation, after which I'll have three exams to complete. I've been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for four years now.

The way I deal with it (when I'm dealing with it) is to think that I've only got 5 weeks and 2 days left (yes - I'm counting down the days!!)

I've had varied results - from high firsts to low 3rds... my anxiety has taken me through a rollercoaster of emotions and it's pretty clear from my grades that I've been all over the place. So, for these final exams, all that's getting me through is thinking about the end, and thinking about getting a degree. Any degree. I've stopped caring about whether it's a first, or a 2:1, or a 2:2, or a third. I will be proud of any achievement, because there was a time last year when I was going through my deepest anxiety and panic that I thought I would not be able to continue with anything.

Yet - here I am, and here we all are, still studying - and finally we don't have to think about 'next year' because, through hard work, we've got here today.

To be honest, I think the biggest part of exam anxiety is having a lack of faith in yourself. If you've got the basic concepts of your course covered, if you roughly know what's what, you'll do a hell of a lot better than you think. Also, there is such thing as too much preparation: once you're in the room and you're faced with a question, chances are you'll be able to handle it.

As for tips and advice - if you can switch from coffee to green tea that helps, generally caffeine makes things worse for anxiety, as well as chocolate (sorry!) and any kind of sugar.
Breaks are so important - I've got myself a little routine where I wake up early, watch a cheerful sitcom (I'm addicted to Everybody Loves Raymond! 7.30 Channel 4 :blush: ) then I work towards my lunch break, and finally I make a plan to watch a film or do something I enjoy in the evening.
I also try and keep active where possible, I go swimming every other day and try and get out for a quick walk everyday, if not just to see the outside world! (last year I couldn't leave the house.)

You don't have to struggle and make things difficult for yourself to do well - a little break time goes a long way, and you deserve it.
As for concentration - if you feel comfortable studying in the library then thats great - you should go for it!

For me, any kind of structure helps. So I know when my breaks are and I look forward to them, I work towards them and do as much as I can so I can enjoy them properly.

I've given up on trying to enjoy what I've learnt. Now all I'm trying to do is fill up the word count, get my revision on the way and get it all over and done with so I can move on - finally!! I know there will be anxiety, nausea (I also can't eat much :weep:) and I know it will be tough, but in 5 weeks and 2 days I will never have to do this again!

(a couple of tips on nausea: peppermint and ginger really help - I have them in the form of ginger beer, and peppermint tea - also mints, and sometimes if I can manage it I'll have ginger cookies... yummy!)

I really hope you manage to get yourself going.
Oh - another thing is Rescue Remedy. I can't praise the stuff enough - it gets me through the day, and night (there's a special night time one.)

Another thing - its okay to feel the way you do. one thing that really helps me is writing it down. When I'm working in the library I often keep another document open just to spill out my thoughts and feelings.
Also - quick 5-10 minute breaks here and there to get some air, a change of scene or a cup of *green tea*! works wonders for the brain.

If I can do it, you can do it. (trust me!):)
LW xxx

p.s - keep us posted on how you're getting on!

[eeyorelover]

Here are some links...

http://www.csbsju.edu/academicadvising/help/testskil.htm (http://www.csbsju.edu/academicadvising/help/testskil.htm) Check out Test taking skills


http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/math.htm Math Test taking Tips


http://www.d.umn.edu/kmc/student/loon/acad/strat/test_take.html (http://www.d.umn.edu/kmc/student/loon/acad/strat/test_take.html) Test Taking Tips


Purdue University, Indiana - Studying for problem-solving exams http://www.cla.purdue.edu/asc/studentsupport/handouts/ (http://www.cla.purdue.edu/asc/studentsupport/handouts/)

(http://www.cla.purdue.edu/asc/studentsupport/handouts/)
St. Louis University - Math Study Skills http://euler.slu.edu/Dept/SuccessinMath.html (http://euler.slu.edu/Dept/SuccessinMath.html)

(http://euler.slu.edu/Dept/SuccessinMath.html)
http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/learning/mcanx.html Test Anxiety

http://www.campusblues.com/test.asp More Resources on Test Anxiety

http://www.how-to-study.com/testanxiety.htm Test Anxiety and other Study Skills


Memory skills
Watch these videos...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-xl7_hdWZo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NROegsMqNc

You can complete this test and the resulting scores will give you ideas on tips to use for better memorization.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/mind/surveys/memory/


There are some great tips on this site...
http://studyprof.com/study_skills_ebook/landing.htm

I also have a powerpoint that I can send you if you want me to :)

xxx
Sandy