Exams are possibly the most stressful things that a person will go through, yet we're made to take them at such a young age. At 16 years old we are taking tests that will literally affect our whole lives. If that thought doesn't stress you out, I don't know what will. I don't believe exams even test your knowledge; in reality, for most of your subjects, you are tested on your memory and your composure in certain situations. I've come to question how this is fair; if someone suffers from an anxiety or stress disorder how can it be healthy to put so much pressure on then? The answer I've received from most of the people I've questioned on this topic is the typical 'life not fair'. Now, I'm fully aware of this fact but why make it harder than it has to be?
Anyway, there's nothing I can do to change the legal system at the moment, no matter how much I dislike it. What has surprised me recently is the way I've dealt with the exam situation. I'm generally a very stressed and anxious person and I find these kind of things too much. However, over the past couple of months I haven't done half the revision or preparation as I normally would have or panicked as much as I usually would. After thinking about this for a while, I concluded I was in denial. I was trying to push it to the back of my mind and pretend it wasn't happening. and now, 11 days before my first exam, I've realised this is actually happening. This is why I've decided to write this post. When my brain had finally processed the fact that my exams were so close, I thought I was going to have a mental breakdown. That's not the case now though; I used simple things to get myself prepared for and ready for the next few months.
1. Realisation
It's time to come to the realisation that there is no time to waste. Right now you should be feeling the pressure! So sit down, get out you're study resources out and start refreshing your memory.
2. Coping
Now it's time to learn to deal with the pressure your feeling. Obviously it's really important to revise but you also need to find to relax and do the things you love most. So, run yourself a nice bath and grab your earphones- that is after you've done 3-4 hours of revision.
3. Organisation
Make sure you have everything organised. Find a place where you can put everything into some kind of order (this can be in subjects, exam dates, colour codes) and become familiar with your system. Make sure all of your study notes are accessible and quick to get to so that your ready if you have any spare time. An affective place to keep your revision is on your wall- use blue-tack, clips, post it notes, anything!
4. Sleep
Knowing everything about a certain topic is great but it's no use if you've had no sleep and can't function. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night so that you can be as refreshed as possible when studying and doing your exams.
5. Just Try
I know it's such a cheesy thing to say but honestly, just try your best. If you've made an effort and tried your best then people can't ask much more of you.
and lastly...
6. Well done.
well done, you've worked so hard will show on results day!
Good luck in your exams if you have them and if you need any help with stress and anxiety then there's a post about it on my blog!
Bye Bugs xox
