6 Ways to Overcome Panic at the Thought of Your Looming Exam

Here are 6 strategies that will help you when you’re stressed about your exams and can feel yourself panicking about how you’ll ever learn all you need to before exam day.

Written by Lysette Offley

Ever find yourself so snowed under that you just don’t know where to start? Do you have a strategy for getting through the chaos?

Does the thought that your exams are looming send you into a panic attack?

It’s true to say that when our bodies enter the stress response we can’t think straight. So to have a strategy that works during these times is invaluable.

Here are some ideas for managing the time you have efficiently.

1. Write a to-do list

Make a list of all the tasks you have to complete. Put them in separate lists: one list for work, another list for home, another list for revision.

It allows you to see the size of the challenge. Also as you begin to pick off the tasks one by one and complete them, you’re keeping track of your progress. And that feels good.

2. Prioritise

Some of the tasks will be more urgent than others. Devise a scoring system or order them according to their level of urgency.

3. Take action

Picking off one or two of the quicker and easier tasks and then marking them off on your to-do list will encourage you to keep going. This is especially important if you tend to procrastinate under pressure.

4. Kick the tough one into touch

After knocking off a couple of easy tasks, tackle a more difficult one. Make up your mind to get stuck in and don’t stop until you’ve finished. You’ll feel great and motivated to see what’s next.

5. Remove distractions

Make sure you set yourself up for success. Take yourself away from the usual distractions: the TV, telephone, other people, Facebook etc.

6. Reward yourself

Take the time to acknowledge what you’ve achieved. This sends a very powerful message to the unconscious mind that you’re on track – that this is the direction you’re going. And give yourself a little treat – an incentive, so you can look forward to enjoying it when you’ve completed the assignment.

When you’re faced with an enormous task just remember: How would you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time!

This article has been published with the permission of the author and was originally published on the Genius Material website.