Pre-exam anxiety
I am always anxious before exams, presentations and such stuff. No matter how much I learned or prepared, I feel anxious before it. Does anyone else have this issue? Any advice how to deal with it?
Hiya @generousCurrent4731 welcome to the community.
I feel it's a common thing to experience certain level of nerves when we've to put ourselves out there, or there's a "test-like" feeling where we can be judged or graded or when something's of value is at stake, for instance grades, studies, academic goals and career etc.
Of course people can have varying degrees of impact on their emotional and physical state, depending on different factors~ biological, physiological, social, personal, circumstantial, etc others!
So truly, you're not alone in experiencing anxiety before exams or presentations, despite knowing that you're prepared for it.
It may be helpful to reflect on what your thoughts tell you during these times, allowing your emotions some space and acknowledgement instead of suppressing them or rushing through them.
When I'm in such a situation, I try to find some quiet space to calm my mind and remind myself that I'm prepared/ equipped to handle whatever comes my way. Repeated conscious reminders that whatever is happening, won't be the end of the world, I only need to give my best foot forward, and rest is going to be okay. Re-affirming and allowing that little calm helps me feel more settled.
Listening to calming music can also be therapeutic, or trying out those short breathing and mindfulness exercises to center ourselves more.
Different things may work for people differently, but we can always try and explore what may work for us, so I'm super proud of you for reaching out for support.🤗
What usually helps you restore your nerves during these situations? Or something that you'd like to try?
Thank you so much @Sunshiningandsoareyou! 😘 Listening to music and deep breathing usually helps, but I should probably remined myself that I am prepared to handle whatever comes my way.
@generousCurrent4731
Aww I'm glad it does help you too and yesss, reminding yourself of the same can be really positively impactful, wouldn't hurt to try, at least. 💛
Of course, I go through the same thing every single time. I get incredibly anxious, no matter how small the exam is. What usually helps me is basic stuff like trying to focus on irrelevant stuff around me (eg the colour of the walls, the sounds, cracks in the ceiling) but also little things like humming songs. It doesn’t help much but it’s always a good start, helps me wind down at least a little bit. Also repeatedly telling yourself out loud that you studied enough and that you’re prepared.