Exam anxiety – you are not alone, and you can take control

Exam anxiety is the body's emergency response – heart palpitations, sweating, restlessness, nausea or a nasty lump in your stomach. It is completely normal! A little anxiety can actually help you sharpen your focus. Too much, however, makes it difficult to perform.

Often it has to do with a mix of things; poor sleep, too much pressure, comparison with others or too many balls in the air. At some point the body says stop – and presses the "anxiety button".

1. Take control of your thoughts

What are you afraid of? Is it as bad as you think? Write it down. Sort it out. And remember – Student Counseling can help you clear up the chaos.

2. Overview = less stress

Find out where and when the exam is, what you need to bring and how it is conducted. The more you know, the safer you will feel.

3. Practice the actual situation

Practice orally in front of friends, take a mock exam, or just sit in the exam room before the actual day. The more familiar, the less scary.

4. Shift focus from anxiety to the task

When the panic sets in – stop. Breathe. Think: “Now I will focus on what I actually have to do.” It works.

5. Move and think positively

Fresh air, movement and good thoughts can do wonders. Try: “I can do this!” – and repeat it often.

And remember: one bad exam is not the end of the world. You will get new chances, and you are more than your result.

We are cheering for you!