Exams are a part of your school life, and they show what you have learned in the previous months. But sometimes, exams can make you feel scared. Your heart starts beating fast, your hands feel wet, and your tummy feels funny. You may think, “What if I couldn’t remember anything?” or “What if I don’t score well?” These thoughts can make you feel worried. And that’s what is called exam stress and anxiety, and it happens to many kids. Even some adults feel like this sometimes. But the good news is, you can learn how not to feel stressed and anxious, how to think clearly, and how to do your best. If you also experience stress and anxiety during your exams, read this blog until the end to learn how to know what’s making you feel worried, how to make a good study plan so you don’t feel rushed, and many more things that will help you stay calm during exams.
Know What Makes You Stressed
To manage stress and anxiety during exams, first, you have to determine what makes you feel bad. Sometimes, stress comes when you think there is too much to do and not enough time. Sometimes, you get stressed when you don’t understand something you are trying to study. You may also feel stressed if people around you are shouting, if you are not sleeping well, or if you are scared of failing. So, take a few moments out of your busy study schedule and think:
- Is it a hard subject?
- Is it not having enough time?
- Is it too many chapters to study?
- Is it because I didn’t eat or sleep well?
- What is making me feel worried right now?
Once you know what causes you stress, it becomes easier to address it. You can talk to someone, make a study plan, or take a short break.
Plan Your Study Time
Preparing for your exam without a study plan can make you feel lost and stressed. But when you make a simple plan, everything starts feeling easy. To create an effective study plan, you have to ask yourself:
- What do I need to study?
- Which subjects are hard for me?
- How many days do I have before the exam?
Now, take a paper and write down what you will study each day. Do not try to study everything at once, but break big topics into small parts. For example, you can study one chapter of math today and do some science tomorrow. Do not forget to plan short breaks between study sessions!
Take Care of Your Body
If your body is tired, your brain won’t work well. That’s why you must take care of your body during exam time. Here are some tips to help you take care of your body:
- Do not skip your meals and eat a balanced diet that gives your body and mind energy to work efficiently. Include fruits, veggies, rice, eggs, or whatever healthy food you like in your diet.
- Drink enough water, as it helps your brain stay sharp. Keep a water bottle on your desk and keep sipping water throughout the day to ensure your body stays hydrated and keeps functioning well.
- Try to sleep at least 7-8 hours every night. Learn about sleep hygiene. If you stay up too late, you will feel sleepy and forget things easily.
- Do not sit and study all day, as it won’t help you achieve your goals. Get up, stretch, walk around, or play for a little while to keep your mind fresh.
You can only achieve your academic goals when you are physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. So, take care of yourself!
Use Good Study Methods
To remember better, you need to use smart ways to study. Here are some simple study methods that work well:
- Write and Learn: After reading, write down the main points, as it helps you remember better than just reading.
- Teach Someone Else: Try to explain what you learned to a friend or family member. If you can teach it, that means you understand it well.
- Use Flashcards: Write all the questions on one side and answers on the other. Ask yourself and check the answers.
- Break It Into Small Parts: Do not try to learn a big chapter all at once. Break it into small pieces and study one part at a time.
- Revise Often: Don’t study something once and forget it. Go back and revise it again after one or two days.
With good study methods, you can save time and learn faster. So, do not study hard, but study smart to achieve your academic goals.
Nowadays, children feel more stressed than adults. With school, homework, tuition, and constant pressure to perform, their day leaves little room for relaxation, joy, or spending time with their family. After-school hours often turn into more study time or, worse, endless screen time that doesn't help them grow and messes with their brain. But these hours can be used differently and better. Children need space to breathe, explore, and develop real-life skills outside textbooks. The right after-school activities can reduce stress, boost creativity, and build confidence, all without adding pressure to their little and creative brains.
Ask for Help
You don’t have to do everything alone. If you struggle to understand something, it is okay to ask for help. You can ask for help from:
- A teacher
- A classmate
- A tutor
- A parent or older sibling
Just say, “I do not understand this,” or “Can you please explain this to me?” They will surely help you. If you feel too worried or sad, you can also talk to someone about your feelings. Talking helps a lot!
Relax Before the Exam
Most students try to study everything again the night before the exam. This can make them feel more nervous. And you don’t have to make this mistake. Here is what you should do the night before the exam:
- Revise lightly
- Sleep well
- Pack your bag
- Do something relaxing
On exam day, take deep breaths before you enter the exam hall and tell yourself, “I am ready and I will try my best.” Staying calm helps you think clearly. So, relax and keep working smart!
Take a Break After the Exam
REST once your exam is over. Your brain and body need a break. You have worked hard. You studied, revised, and gave your best. Now, do not rush to study for the next exam right away. Take a little time to relax. Here are some of the best things you can do after the exam:
- Go for a walk
- Watch something you like
- Talk to friends or family
- Eat your favourite food
- Take a nap if you feel tired
By taking a break once your exams are over, you can make your mind feel fresh again. After resting for a while, you will be ready to study for the next exam with more energy.
Conclusion
Feeling stressed and anxious before or during exams is normal. Not only children but also adults feel the same before a big exam. But it should not significantly affect your performance. You can manage your stress and anxiety by knowing what makes you stressed, making a study plan, taking care of your body, talking to someone you trust, or using good study methods. All the detailed information you need on all these is mentioned above in this blog. For more such information and blogs on similar topics, stay tuned to Vivek International Public School, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

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