Dealing With Exam Nerves

Do you suffer from exam nerves? Psychologists from the University of Surrey have discovered heightened results in memory when your eyes are shut. Cognitive therapist, Art Markman explains that shutting off your vision is helpful when you're trying to dig up lost information in your brain. When you are anxious, you can become easily forgetful so here are a few tips to help you battle those exam nerves!

Sleep: Get enough sleep the night before the exam. If you're dull-headed because of a lack of sleep, you won't be able to perform at your best. Sleep a few extra hours instead of studying a few extra hours.

Water: Your body and your brain need water. Research has proven that your brain performs more efficiently when well-hydrated. Drink enough water, but not too much!

Food: Eat moderately before your exams; avoid a heavy meal. If you eat too much, your brain will have to devote energy to the process of digestion. On the other hand, if you skip a meal altogether, your brain will have inadequate fuel to function well. Aim for nutritional balance and moderation. Read our brain food blog post for tips!

Handling Anxiety: Practice deep breathing techniques if you find yourself becoming nervous or overwhelmed. By breathing correctly, you can provide your brain with fuel to help it perform better.

Arrive early: This will help you avoid unnecessary stress in the immediate period before your exam. Allow for traffic, check the weather reports for exam day, or even travel to an external exam location in advance to get an idea of how long it will take you to travel there on the day of the exam.

Be Prepared: (link to revision techniques , suitable tutors etc) or Would you consider private exam entry?