By Rafael Moraes Gaino
Hey, Yellow Jackets! Today, I am going to talk about anxiety before exams.
Anxiety may be an everyday experience for most college students, at least some of the time. Anxiety can occur unexpectedly during exams and presentations. It can also come when constantly thinking about the future. Test anxiety, though, is common amongst all college students, and it comes in the form of fear, worry, and other physical reactions students can feel when faced with the possibility of failure during examinations, or when they have to give a presentation.
Personally, I always get anxiety when I have a presentation or a test. The best strategy that I use in such situations is to memorize everything needed for the occasion. It helps me feel more prepared and calm.
In addition to those study strategies, I also find sports, particularly soccer, an effective way to cope with anxiety. When I feel anxious, I try to play soccer or at least watch it. It helps me distract myself from stressful events. Another thing I do to feel better is going to the gym. It allows me to make myself focus on exercising instead of stressful situations in my academic life.
Talking with trusted persons is also critical in managing my stress and anxiety. In most cases, I talk with my mother, girlfriend, or some friends about my worries. Getting support from others can really help to reduce anxiety and stress. Sometimes, just talking about the situation allows me to feel calmer and more optimistic.
Finally, I control my breathing to reduce the harm of anxiety on my body. I try to breathe deeper and focus on the current moment instead of thinking about upcoming events. I also try not to use any screens at night for an hour before going to sleep. Anxiety is a natural reaction to some situations in our lives, but we can manage it and be successful!