Understanding Exam Anxiety: A Common Problem of Students. Exam Phobia
I get many students suffering from kinda worse moments just when the examination timetables are given out.
Even I had the experience of exam pressure and intense panic.
The implications of this condition are obviously a state of pessimism with the degree stuff, and diploma stuff and even in adverse cases, students start to mess with their bright future life.
Before we get much into the video, here is the content we will cover;
Firstly, Understanding the term “Exam Phobia”
Common reasons for exam Phobia amongst students
Possible causes of exam Phobia
Symptoms that one is likely suffering from exam Phobia
And finally, the best tips to help you overcome the situation even faster.
Okay,
What is Exam Phobia? – What is Exam Anxiety
Exam Phobia is a psychological condition in which students experienced extreme stress, anxiety, discomfort, and irrational fear during or before the examination.
Although a little nervousness is healthy for students as it can help you perform your best.
But when this tension or stress becomes so excessive, that it actually hampers your performance on an examination, it is now referred to as Exam Phobia or Test Anxiety.
For example, a student may get upset and ask a variety of questions. Such like;
“I like to study, and I also like the subjects, and my class performance is also very good. But I don’t like to take part in the examination.”
And, they may sometimes inquire ‘Why the University and College exams are necessary.’
In most students life, it is common not to want to face an examination,
Most of us have a fear of exams. This fear is a common picture among students and increases the feeling when students start studying.
In some extreme cases, this phenomenon becomes exam phobia.
Generally, The symptoms of exam phobia can be easily observed and addressed.
Let dig deeper into the exam phobia.
As I aforementioned, exam phobia is an irrational and powerful fear and aversion to exams.
Therefore, to know whether exam phobia is a barrier to good grades, students need to recognize its symptoms.
Remember, a simple fear of exams is common and is not exam phobia.
So, these are some clear symptoms that you are suffering from exam phobia.
Signs of exam phobia / Signs you have exam anxiety
- Feeling over-stressed with studies, and worried about examinations and even the results.
- Having sorts of crazy nightmares, for example, about your forth-coming exams
- Feelings of anger, and inability to concentrate on studies.
- Rarely, it involves a loss of appetite.
- Increase in heart rate.
- A dry throat that comes due to over-reasoning.
- Sweating, trembling, and cold limbs.
- In some adverse cases, students may be suffering from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea.
- Becoming a victim of frequent urination driven by fear to face papers.
- Oversleeping for no other reason than because you feel mentally tired.
- Avoiding schools because you feel threatened with exams.
- Lastly in the list, is becoming addicted to television or games to help you fade examination pressure.
Well, in this next section, let’s touch on some-
Common Reasons Behind Exam Phobia – Reasons behind exam anxiety
As you know, the ideal approach to this psychological condition is definitely understanding the root causes of exam phobia?
And hence, prevention is always better than cure.
- Students are scared of exams because they know they are not well prepared for the due examination.
- They underestimate themselves or their personal preparation for undertaking the tests.
- Negative influence from comrades as some lack confidence and others are overconfident.
- They are too worried about their future.
How to Easily Avoid Exam Phobia
To avoid exam anxiety, studying is the only option. A proper study schedule can help students to finish their syllabus in time.
Confidence is another important component. If students can finish their syllabus before exams, it will boost their confidence.
Also, there needs to be proper sleep, food, and break intervals for study for rehearsal
Eat healthy and balanced meals and no matter the temptation do not go for energy drinks. Since they will make you hyperactive and hence not focused.
Furthermore, check all the accessories you need for your examination.
Study for your exams a bit earlier and once into the examination hall, take a long breath. It will allow you to control your nerves.
Don’t talk with your friends about your preparation too much before the exams, and also no need to share about your paper after the examination.
Always try to think about your present, not the future. If you can start all these practices, you will be able to curtail your exam phobia.
Nothing is impossible and exams are far from it. It becomes hard when you fail to specify the root of your problems.
Before falling prey to this phobia, try to find the root of your troubles. A solution is always there and you have the power to erect them.
What Causes Exam Phobia?
In the third section, we learn the causes of exam phobia. And, let’s list a number of these agents.
- Unrealistic expectations of parents from their children.
- Parental pressure cause greater worry and fear of failure.
- Excessive pressure and fear of teachers.
- Preliminary study.
- Poor motivation and lack of self-esteem.
- Also, poor nutrition and sleeping disturbance.
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Symptoms of Exam Phobia
Okay, just as you know there are multiple Symptoms of Exam Phobia, let’s categorize them into 3, physiological, and cognitive that is also called behavioural and emotional.
Physiological Symptoms
We have:
- Head-aches.
- Stomach-aches.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Excessive sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fainting.
- Rapid heart breath.
- Dry mouth.
- Panic attacks.
- Trembling and limbs become cold.
- Vomiting.
- Shaking.
- Frequent urination.
Under Cognitive or Behavioural Symptoms
We have:
- Fear of failure.
- Random thoughts.
- Feeling of inadequacy.
- Negative self-talk.
- Suicidal ideation.
- Feeling of excessive mental pressure.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Drop out of school.
- Difficulty in concentrating.
- And on Emotional Symptoms, we have:
- Low self-esteem.
- Frustration.
- Depression.
- Anger.
- Feeling of hopelessness and helplessness.
- Feeling of disappointment.
Awesome, I will finalize with generally best tips to see you overcome the pressure and stress during your examination time.
Right,
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Tips to Overcome Exam Stress With Ease
- Develop study habits
Get prepared for the exam. Start studying at least 15 days before the start of the examination. Make a schedule, and formulate your lessons, according to it.
- Develop a positive attitude
Motivate yourself and keep making an effort. Always remember you can achieve it.
However, take a short break between your study moments. Don’t mistake your self-confidence and aim to develop self-esteem.
- Stay focused
Concentrate on your test, not any other stuff, during the examination time. Avoid talking with other students, concerning the subject, before an examination.
- Use mnemonics
Mnemonics are the techniques of memorization. You can make charts, rhymes, or phrases to remember your lectures.
- Meditation
Meditation is one of the best recipes, that can reduce your anxiety. Make a habit of meditation for at least 10 minutes daily. It actually strengthens your attention capacity.
- General relaxation techniques
During the examination, if you feel pressure, aim to take a deep slow breath, and calm down your muscles. This will assist in better focus on your exam.
- Special assistance from psychologist
If your anxiety becomes uncontrollable, don’t shy from consulting a psychologist or therapist. (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) CBT in treating anxiety disorders.
Often, visiting them helps to change your thought process and negative beliefs.
Performance or test anxiety is highly treatable, so you can get considerably a, better, outcome.
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Conclusion and Recommendations to overcome exam Phobia
The pressure that students may develop often during a period of examinations can be easily prevented.
However, one can do away with exam phobia at a personal level by making good preparation to sit for the exams.
Elsewhere, if the condition worsens and it surpasses your ability hence uncontrollable by you, sorting for an expert is ideal to aid settle the exam anxiety.
Essentially, fighting fearfulness for exams and even Assessment Tests; make sure you commence your semester with a strong positive mindset.
Once you develop the mindset, then, work on your studies like a marathon guy being cheered to reach the finishing line.
Finally, continuous focus, continuous study habits, flawless meditation, and understanding the power of loving your steps alongside motivation is the recipe to succeed well in Education.
References
Lybrate.com : Say Goodbye To Exam Phobia!
Turito.com : How to Overcome Exam fear- Exam phobia
Verywellmind.com : What Is Test Anxiety?
