Zishaan Hayath, co-founder, Toppr.com, shares tips on how to make stress work in your favour
Exams and stress go hand in hand. We have enough stress due to the expectations of our family and teachers. To add to that, we stress ourselves further by worrying and thinking too much. We assume a negative future and that causes us to panic. That is why with each passing day the stress increases. Many students blame stress and anxiety for poor results because it cripples them and hinders their productivity. The fear of not doing well meddles with your body and mind, affecting your concentration and grasping power. Studies show that stress doesn't have to be the villain. Here are a few ways that will help stress work in your favor—
Get Rid of Unnecessary Stress
Most of the stress we take is for no reason. When the pressure is on, it is easy to feel stressed even when you are well prepared and going by the schedule you set. Thus, to start off, before it gets worse you should start eliminating all the factors that cause unnecessary stress. For example, clutter on your desk is a pointless distraction and a source of stress. Seeing books scattered everywhere can really cause panic. Clear the clutter and you'll feel better automatically. Also, improve your diet and exercise.
Change The Perception
The best way to tackle stress is not to beat it but to look at it from a different perspective. look at stress as a good thing that drives you into studying harder. Use it to your advantage and you will be able to do much better in your exams. Healthy stress has proven time and again to increase productivity. Too much stress and no stress at all, both are bad for your preparation. It is not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it. Thus, healthy stress seen with a positive perspective is all that you need!
Remember Your Goals
Why are you writing your examIJ Why is it that you are studying all dayIJ What is the ultimate goalIJ Every time you feel overwhelmed, the simplest thing to do is to remember why you are going through this struggle. Reminding yourself of the sweet fruit of success at the end of it can really amplify you up and reduce your pressure. Your goals will act as stimuli and put you in a positive, strong position. Tackling the fear and anxiety of exams with this mindset is easier. In fact, the stress will be sidelined because you are pumped up to do well. Stress should be a powerful driving force, not an obstacle.
Conclusion
The truth is that you will feel pressure and stress no matter what you do. Running away from it or letting it affect you negatively will ruin your exam preparation. Don't try to eliminate it or escape from it. Embrace it and use it to your advantage so that it helps increase your grasping power, concentration, and time management. When stress gets too much and starts meddling with your studies, take a quick break and exercise.
Relax for a while and during this time, distract yourself. When you start studying again, you will find yourself more organized and even disciplined because your mind has now recharged and is clearer.