Exam Nerves, Study Stress and Preparation for the Big Day

If you are spending too much time worrying about your studies or your exams, if you are feeling low in confidence and self esteem, if you are panicky or feeling depressed or anxious, then you know you will not be in a good learning state.

And you also know that your learning and performance will be hampered if you find it difficult to focus, if you're losing sleep because of the pressure, if you’re stressing out over your studies, or if you’re over anxious about the exam itself.

Neither will you make much progress if you have trouble with your motivation. You could be someone who will do anything to avoid getting down to some good solid revision. The most mundane of tasks somehow becomes fascinating if it can delay the moment when you just have to get started and apply yourself to revision.

Even if you are very conscientious, revise well and know your material, all that effort could be wasted if you are so anxious in the exam that you can’t put your thoughts together in a coherent enough form to answer the questions.

If your exams are really getting on top of you, there are three things you can do:

1. Read and act on my blog on ten simple steps for exam success.

2. Buy my download "Change your mind about exams" specially focussed on exam stress. It doesn't cost much and there's a 30 day money back guarantee. Or try one of our book suggestions.

3. Contact me by email or by phoning 01206 299 724 to discover how a few sessions with Life Changes Now can help you get back on course, relieve your stress, enhance your learning processes and performance, and generally prepare you for the success you deserve.

Quick checklist for stress

If you are troubled by any of these symptoms in relation to your study or exams then you may be suffering from stress. These are warning signs; your body and mind are feeling the pressure and asking for attention. Take some notice and take action so that you can be at your best when you need to be.

• Headaches
• Poor sleep or bad dreams
• Lack of appetite or comfort eating
• Mood swings, especially short temper
• Feeling constantly tired
• Feeling sick or plagued by 'butterflies' in the stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness or faintness
• Panic attacks
• Loss of motivation
• Feelings numb or depressed