The Night Before an
Exam - What Should You Do?
Exam Anxiety Tip 1: Be
Prepared Early
The most common cause
of exam anxiety is lack of preparation for the exam. Set up a study schedule at
least three weeks before your first exam. You may find that you actually need
to start studying very early due to other commitments. Planning ahead also assists
you to avoid cramming which can be a major cause of exam anxiety.
Exam Anxiety Tip 2:
Sleep Well
Regular sleep is one of
the best ways to control stress. Getting up and going to bed each day at the
same times ensures that your body and brain are getting the rest they need for
optimal functioning. Students who follow a regular sleeping pattern have been
shown to perform 30% better than students who stay up late or get up early to
study.
Exam Anxiety Tip 3:
Same Caffeine & Sugar Intake
Keep caffeine and sugar
intake the same during exam time. Don’t increase or decrease the amount of
coffee, tea or cola that you normally drink as your body and brain are
accustomed to getting a certain amount. Keep things in your life as stable as
possible, especially during exam time.
Exam Anxiety Tip 4:
Learned Relaxed Breathing
When you display any
symptoms of anxiety during studying or during the exam, use relaxed breathing
to calm yourself. Take your attention away from the task and take a few slow
breaths. Say to yourself, “calm and relaxed” as you exhale. Practice relaxed
breathing before the exam.
Exam Anxiety Tip 5:
Don’t Study the Night Before
Studying the night
before an exam causes your anxiety level to increase. Unfortunately, it doesn’t
decrease when you go to sleep. Reduce anxiety by taking the evening off to
relax ”“ watch TV, see a movie, read a novel, etc.
Exam Anxiety Tip 6:
Review Main Themes
If it causes you
anxiety NOT to study the night before an exam, review the main themes of the
course earlier in the day. Of course, that implies that you should have already
studied well.
Exam Anxiety Tip 7:
Have a Plan before the Exam
As part of your
studying, think about how you will approach the exam, and what you will do when
you run into trouble. Having a plan in place will assist you to worry less
about failing, and help you to concentrate more on passing.
Exam Anxiety Tip 8: Aim
to Do Your Best
Often, students start
thinking negatively when things aren’t going well on an exam. This can lead to
lower self-confidence and increased self-doubt. Recognize and turn off your
negative internal dialogue. Focus on the task instead of on yourself. Do not
try for perfection ”“ aim to do your very best.
