Coping with Pre-exam jitters and Anxiety-Mason 22

“It’s like you are put in the spotlight…”

Feeling stressed is what I associate most with any exam discussion. The whole exam period was quite stressful for me from before the exams till the end. Let’s start with my KCSE exams; you start feeling the stressful pressure at the beginning of the fourth year of high school and it intensifies till the inevitable third term. It’s like you are put on spotlight and the world is watching your every move.

Do I even know what I am doing?

The internal pressure is also burdensome. My mind is filled with worry and doubt whenever I sit down to study. I kept imagining the worst-case scenario and wondering if I had prepared enough. Do I even understand what I am reading for? These are the types of questions that fill my head. The fear of failure begins to take a toll on my focus and confidence and that becomes a crippling distraction.

Doing it for others

My parents never bribed me with gifts and video games to motivate me to prepare for the exams. I had to self-motivate and develop an instinct to impress my teachers and parents with my grades. Maybe I should have explored trying to impress myself rather than the pressure of impressing others.

Self- awareness

To curb my exam stress levels, I came up with a work plan. I made it a habit to listen to calming music and adopt a meditation routine before and after I finished my studies. I also came up with a timetable of what to read and when to read it in order not to feel too overwhelmed. This was also to ensure I covered every part of my study course. Knowing also when I am most alert is important. I study better between the mid-morning and afternoon and that is why studying at night and early morning did not work quite well for me.

Still a work in progress; treat yourself!

Sometimes, I still find myself struggling and that is why, even though no one else will, I do something nice for myself after exams. Whether it is buying myself a new game, hanging out with friends, or getting myself a treat, it just makes me feel better. It also reminds me that I have worked hard and deserve to treat myself after such a difficult time.