Throughout the past couple of weeks, I have noticed a trend among my middle and high school clients.
This trend is that most of them are preparing for exam season and finding healthy ways to cope with the stress and feelings of anxiety that come with it. Below is a list of helpful tips that parents can use as a resource to prepare students for exam season.
10 Tips for Exam Season and Coping with Test Anxiety
Start Early Encourage students to start studying well in advance of the exam, rather than cramming at the last minute.
Create a Study Schedule Help students create a study schedule that breaks down the material into manageable chunks and allows for regular breaks.
Use Practice Tests Practice tests can help students get familiar with the types of questions they’ll be asked and build confidence.
Get Enough Sleep Make sure students are getting enough sleep in the days leading up to the exam. Lack of sleep can impair memory and cognitive function.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast A nutritious breakfast can help fuel the brain and provide the energy students need to focus during the exam.
Use Relaxation Techniques Encourage students to use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization to cope with test anxiety.
Stay Positive Help students stay positive by reminding them of their strengths and accomplishments and encouraging them to focus on what they know rather than what they don’t.
Take Breaks Encourage students to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
Stay Organized Help students stay organized by keeping study materials and notes in order and avoiding clutter.
Practice Good Time Management Encourage students to prioritize their time and avoid procrastination in the days leading up to the exam.
Lastly, it can also be helpful to offer your student a small reward after each final exam to keep them optimistic. In addition, remember that summer break is right around the corner and that this is the final push!
Kristine Habibi is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate, supervised by Thomas O. Whitehead, LPC-S.