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Tips to avoid exam stress

Strategies to help Concordia students finish the term on a relaxed note
November 15, 2011
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By University Communications Services


Love them or hate them, exams are a part of being a student. And they’re right around the corner.

Exams can lead to stressful times for some students. For others, they’re an opportunity to rise to the challenge and excel.

There are key things students can do to beat stress, rock their exams and come out happier and healthier.

Chart a plan of action
Preparation is the most important element in exam success and reducing stress, says Owen Moran, health promotion specialist at Concordia Health Services: “You need to identify first if you are, in fact, stressed.”

All Systems Go | Photo by Jason Iplunshu
All Systems Go. Submitted by Jason Iplunshu (student).

Stress symptoms can include anxiety, elevated heart rate, stomach cramps, difficulty sleeping and irregular eating patterns. Some people experience a lowered ability to concentrate and remember — key faculties that are vital for exam success.

“If you’re stressed, identify what the stressor is,” says Moran. “Stress is a response to danger. If it is specifically the exam, why is this exam a danger?”

Students should also take stock of their resources and time constraints. “For example, if you know you need six hours to study and you only have two, there’s an imbalance,” he says.

Time management

Set a schedule and stick to it. “Schedule all activities, including downtime,” says Irene Petsopoulis, a counsellor at Concordia’s Counselling and Development. “Address issues as they come so you don’t get to the crisis point.”

Petsopoulis also suggests anticipating unforeseeable situations that can set priorities off-course. To remain in control, stay focused on your clearly defined goals yet flexible enough to adjust.

Healthy diet, exercise, sleep
It might seem like eating a slice of greasy pizza, drinking buckets of coffee and staying up all night to cram are necessary, but those stereotypical efforts are not helpful.

In fact, it probably makes for worse performance. Eating, exercising, and sleeping well are effective ways to reduce stress and prepare for exams.

A balanced, healthy diet provides the needed strength for weeks of exams. We’ve all heard the saying, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” So eating something at breakfast is important. Fruits, veggies and nuts are great snacks during packed days.

Moderating intake of fat, sugar, alcohol and caffeine is also recommended. Consult Canada’s Food Guide for advice.

Many people crave caffeine and that’s absolutely understandable. Yet instead of java, how about trying green tea? It has only about 20 mg of caffeine per 250 ml. Brewed coffee can have upwards of 120 mg of caffeine, can be a stomach irritant and can lead to irregular sleep.

Regular exercise improves mood, boosts energy levels and promotes better sleep. Can’t get to the gym every day? Take a quick walk. Get out of the subway or bus a few stops early. It might be chilly, but 15 minutes of fresh air works wonders.

Seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night allows for clearer thinking, deeper concentration and fosters calm in stressful situations. The less sleep a person gets, the more stressed they become and the sooner they crash.

An environment to concentrate
Nobody wants to disconnect, but avoiding distractions helps maintain focus. Turn off the cell phone, ignore email, shut off the television. Sit down and study. 

Sitting beside the books, you will be close to the truth. | Photo by Meng Li
Sitting beside the books, you will be close to the truth. Submitted by Meng Li.

It may even be advantageous to create an ambiance that’s similar to an exam environment.

Take breaks

Spare at least 45 minutes per day for mind-wandering.

Brief diversions can clear the mind. Ideas? Stare at the ceiling. Do the dishes. Listen to some music. Read the newspaper. Better? Go for a walk. Make some soup. Eat that soup. Do some yoga. Write an alternate ending to your favourite movie.

Go to exams with confidence
Be prepared, well rested and ready to write. Think positively about personal achievements and abilities.

Owen suggests taking a few moments to breathe slowly and deeply to regain focus. Disconnect from unhealthy emotions. 

Self-reward
Study hard and remain disciplined without overdoing it. Treat yourself to small things – in moderation – that can buoy the spirit.

Exams will be over and done in no time. Celebrate with friends, enjoy a dinner and movie. You earned it. Time to get back to the things that had to take a pause.

A friendly ear for stressful times
Feeling overstressed? Concordia’s Counselling and Development staff are available to help students address exam-related problems. Make an appointment in person or by phone. 

  • Room H-440, Henry F. Hall Building (1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.), Sir George Williams Campus. 514-848-2424, ext. 3545.
  • Room AD-103, Administration Building, Loyola Campus (7141 Sherbrooke St. W.). 514-848-2424, ext. 3555.

During exams, students can drop by Counselling and Development on either campus during regular business hours to chat with a counsellor.

Another resource is the Student Success Centre, staffed by upper-year student mentors, at both the Sir George Williams and Loyola Campuses. Anyone can drop by, seek advice or just take a moment to relax.

Should exam-related stress become too overwhelming, consider visiting Concordia Health Services on the second floor of the Guy Metro Building (1550 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.).

Related links
•    Counselling and Development
•    Concordia Health Services
•    Canada’s Food Guide
•    Concordia Student Success Centre



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