S t r e s s M a n a g e m e n t
During exam periods, stress and even anxiety are very common issues for students - even for those who usually seem calm.
Surprisingly, a small amount of anxiety can actually be beneficial. it can make you stay alert and focused. However, excessive anxiety means you will have trouble thinking clearly and this could affect your performance in a negative way.
Avoiding & Coping with Exam Anxiety | |
File Size: | 31 kb |
File Type: | doc |
What exactly is “Stress”?
Stress is the body’s normal response to a challenge, threat or excitement.The consequence of stress depends largely on how you interpret the physical symptoms – it can help motivate you or it can paralyze you -- the decision is yours!
Take, for example, the following scenario:
- Joe: a student just before a critical exam
- Jane: an athlete just before a big competition
- Both Joe and Jane are aware of the same physical symptoms:
- sweaty palms
- racing heart
- knot or butterflies in the pit of the stomach
Jane, the athlete, interprets her symptoms as a sign that she can motivate herself to perform well. She views the symptoms as evidence that she is “psyching herself up” for the big competition.
Stress can be a barrier to optimal performance or a motivating agent – it all depends on how you interpret, label and manage what you are experiencing.
The trick is to figure out what level of stress is motivating for you and what amount is paralyzing and then work to keep it in the motivating zone.
Anxiety Management
Cognitive : face your fears with constructive self-talk
Behavioural : devise and stick to an effective study program - which also includes time for recreational and physical needs
Emotional : contain your fears through more insight and foresight: use appropriate self-monitoring, distraction and relaxation strategies
http://www.imperialcollegehealthcentre.co.uk/estress.php
Alternative Strategy
Meditation
There are different kinds of meditation techniques. Generally, they induce an altered state which is normally relaxing and beneficial. However, anyone with a mental illness, prone to confusion or depersonalization should seek medical advice before trying out such techniques. If you would like to know about meditation, you may Google search. Can't find it? Google harder :) ...or simply talk to Dr. Vinci to know more.