It is completely normal (and also functional) to feel nervous before taking an exam. They may be more or less intense, but anxiety when facing important tests is a sign that we are aware of the relevance this has in our lives. In other words, it means that we are conscious and emotionally healthy people.
It is also common for us to feel like we don’t remember anything, even though we have been studying for weeks. Although, perhaps, the most “scary” thing is the fear of going blank at the crucial moment. In summary; Exam nerves are not pathological, but they can become a problem if they are strong enough. If you want to know how to properly deal with these nerves, keep reading
We have already mentioned it: nerves before an important test are completely normal. In addition to the state of uncertainty caused by the doubt about how we will do, there is also the stress of preparing for the exam, which requires high concentration and a certain renunciation of other activities that we may find pleasurable.
So how to deal with nerves and stress?
Tests and stress
The nerves and stress caused by the proximity of an exam have nothing to do with a lack of skills, since these appear even if we carry out the subject perfectly well. However, a high level of stress can cause memory lapses, blockages and poor assimilation of content.
Thus, correct management of our emotional state is key when preparing and facing a test. Stress is something functional, which helps us move forward and be decisive and, as long as it does not become something pathological or dysfunctional, it is absolutely normal to feel it at important moments in our lives. Without functional stress, we would not react to vital stimuli and would not be able to make any decisions.
In principle, exam performance and stress appear on a curve In this way, the more stress we feel at the beginning, the more active and dedicated we will be in our preparation, and the more capable we will be of giving up other activities in favor of studying.
Later, when a specific point is passed, the curve changes direction; the more stress, the worse performance. In other words, arousal (the ability to be attentive and reactive) decreases considerably, and our mind becomes unable to process information. To make the situation worse, the feeling of not moving forward and wasting our time can cause us a feeling of frustration and worsen our self-esteem, and this will not help us at all.
In conclusion, we can say that a lack of stress is abnormal and problematic, but too much is. How, then, to achieve a functional stress level? Managing emotions is the key.
Emotional management during test preparation
Below, we present some tips that can help you face your exams properly and with the right and necessary stress.
1. Put your fears in writing
Often, what causes us the most stress is not knowing what we are feeling. In order to identify it, It is very useful to write down on paper the emotions that come to us, both positive and negative Especially important is to point out the fears that block us or cause us concern.
For example, if what we write down is “fear of failing,” we can ask ourselves: What are the chances of that happening? Have we gone to class? Have we been attentive to the explanations? Have we studied adequately throughout the course? These questions will help us be more realistic and distinguish the real situation from our fears.
If it turns out that we have barely attended lessons, it is normal for us to feel uneasy. So, the most practical thing is to start studying immediately. Feeling fear and wallowing in it is not going to help us pass.
2. Plan the study
After understanding what scares us and becoming aware that it is still an unreal scenario, it is time to move on to the action plan. It is highly necessary to plan our study; Otherwise, our preparation will be chaotic and will only lead to more fear and frustration.
This programming can involve specifying what syllabus to study daily, what summaries to do and when, what hours of the day we are going to dedicate to studying, etc. It is also important not to distribute time equally and to dwell especially on topics that are not so clear to us or about which we have doubts.
The benefits of proper planning are not only being able to face the exam better and having a better chance of passing, but we will also obtain an improvement in our self-esteem, since we will have a feeling of control over our actions.
3. Ask… but choose who well
The evil of many, the consolation of fools, the saying goes. And, although it is not a solution, it can be therapeutic to realize that you are not the only one who suffers from stress during the test. Asking your colleagues can be helpful in this regard. Besides, Some may be able to advise you on what techniques to follow to reduce nervousness
But beware! Be careful who you ask. Talking to people who know how to manage their emotions is very beneficial, but asking those who don’t know how to manage their stress can lead you down the same bottomless pit. So ask, but choose who carefully.
4. Evoke what you have learned
Studying is not only about making summaries and outlines. It is very useful to recall what has already been studied, to check if, in fact, you have internalized it adequately. You can have someone ask you about the topic, or you can summarize the content and then check if what you have written is correct. Think that Evocation is an optimal technique to stimulate the brain to remember and implant information
Evocation will allow us to considerably reduce stress, since we will see what we know and what topics we still need a review on, which will give us security and control.
It’s an exam, not the end of the world
And remember: although the exam you are going to face is, of course, important and as such you must prepare for it, it is not the end of the world. Most have second chances or other alternatives, so try not to exaggerate or dramatize.
The most important thing is to know that failing an exam does not mean that we are a failure or anything like that; We are simply human beings with ups and downs and better and worse moments and, of course, we make mistakes.
