Psychology behind Exam Stress

Weall feel stress in some or other way … some people can cope with but some cannot…if you cannot then this is for you.

Are struggling with exam stress?

Does the thought of exam your heart pound and your body perspires?

Relax!

Everyone experiences stress from time to time, and each individuals react differently to stress.  Some people succeed on it, while others let it control their lives. Exam time is becoming a rising struggle for all concerned. It is natural to experience a degree of stress and uneasiness before exams and even the tranquil, confident, and bright student can feel stressed by them.

It is understandable that parents have concerns for their children’s future and want them to do well in their education, but are they stretching their children’s aptitude, which inevitably is resulting in unnecessary stress? Many aspects of life have the potential to cause stress, including adjusting to academic requirements, peer and parental pressures, and preparing for exams.

Stress Defined

Stress is the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological process that occurs as individuals try to adjust to or deal with stressors. Stressors, in turn, are circumstances that upset or threaten to upset, individuals daily functioning and cause people to make amendment s. Stress Reactions are the physical, psychological, and behavioral responses that occur in the face of stressors (Taylor, 2002).

In other words, stress involves a transaction between people and their physical and psychological environments.

STRESSED OUT SIGNS

Ø    Mood swings

Ø    Anticipation and Apprehension

Ø    Forgetfulness

Ø    Excessive sweating

Ø    Lack of interest despite efforts made

Ø    Changes in sleep pattern

Ø    Changes eating patterns

Ø    Tiredness

Ø    Poor Attention & concentration

Ø    Irritability and Frustration

Ø    Excessive Worries

WATCH OUT! — GREATEST STRESSORS

Ø    Unrealistic or unfair expectations

Ø    Cut throat competition

Ø    Low self esteem & self worth –Inferiority complex

Ø    Nagging, belittling, comparing, bullying

Ø    Eleventh hour preparation

Ø    Lack of trust

Ø    Lack good friendship and support

Ø    Conflict

TIPS TO BEAT STRESS

ü    Believe in yourself

ü    Plan ahead

ü    Eat Healthy

ü    Be a person of Positive Attitude and outlook

ü    Create in you a sense of Autonomy & Space

ü    Get into the habit of Affirmation & Praise

ü    Pamper yourself Get a good night’s sleep

ü    Pace yourself don’t rush

ü    Perform as well as you can

ü    Take with you what you need (favorite pens and pencils)

ü    Talk to people whom you love for positive inputs

Note:

Exams are essential – but not the only key success.

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Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist , Psychotherapist , Corporate Psychologist, Stress-Anger-Pain-Lifestyle- Wellness-Management Consultant, Counselor, Cognitive Behavior Therapist, Life Skill Coach, Certified Health Coach, Relaxation Therapist, School Psychologist,  Exam Phobia, Exam Fever, Attention and Concentration, how to memorize, remember,