How To Manage Stress And Stay Productive During Exams

Exams suck, no doubt, especially for nursing students juggling crazy stress levels. Did you know around 99% of Nigerian nursing students feel this pressure. It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed and like you’re not really absorbing what you study. But here’s the thing: feeling stressed is okay; letting it take over isn’t. If you can stay motivated and energized and keep a positive mindset, you’ll get through this phase way faster.

So, here are some real tips to help you manage stress and stay productive during exams.

Having a clear goal

As a student you should have a goal and a drive. What is motivating you? What do you want to achieve at the end of this exam (ohh, at the end of this semester I want to score 7.5/10)? What grade/scores do you want to have at the end of the session (I want to score 15/20 in part three)? Most of us here have expectations from our parents; your goal should be your drive during this period of time.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

At this stage you list out all the courses you are to study. Check your course outline and list out the topics for each course. Prioritize them in a way that the top are courses/topics you are struggling with, while the bottom are courses/topics that you are good at for each course. This will allow you to know how far you have gone with reading and how much you have to read to be guided.

Set a timetable and plan your day

Draft a timetable that contains each course. Remember, you already have a list of topics you are to start with, so once you create a timetable, when it’s time to read that particular course, you start with the topics at the top of the list. Also, you will plan your day for what time to what time you’ll bathe, eat, read, rest, pray, and sleep. This will help you stay consistent in reading. And remember, when you want to start reading, be present and set your mind on what you want to do.

Avoid distractions until you reach your goal for the day

Most students will agree that social media is our number one source of distractions. You should make sure while studying you remove all sorts of distractions. I know many of us read with our phones; you can turn off notifications from your social media so you can read and ensure you finish that topic before you stand up. Once you know your distraction before reading, you can build a defense against it.

Ask for help

If you know you are feeling totally confused about a particular topic, ask for help. And if you are the type that likes group reading, reach out to your friends that are goal-aligned with you and form a study group. Watch videos on YouTube, open ChatGPT or any AI reading app, and search for topics you want to study; use mnemonics to make studying easier. Remember, the aim is to reach your goal.

Manage anxiety through relaxation

Once you know you are starting to feel anxious, take a break and take a deep breath. You can even try and revise the topics you are good at just to give you that sense of “you got this.”

Eat well and stay hydrated

Be kind to yourself; you have to ensure you eat well. Eat food such as complex carbohydrates (sweet potatoes, pasta, and rice); this helps your brain to release serotonin, “the feeling good hormone,” and keep energy levels steady. Protein-rich diets help in alertness and concentration, and always stay hydrated; dehydration increases fatigue and stress. Avoid taking caffeine; these cause anxiety, and avoid oily or greasy food. It makes you feel sluggish. Remember, when you are reading, your brain consumes a lot of energy, and to replace this energy, you have to eat well so you won’t get tired and stressed out.

Believe in yourself and stay consistent

Try to be present and stop thinking about the past, regretting not reading earlier. It’s important to stay present and believe in yourself; this helps you stay positive throughout this period, it fuels you indirectly, and you will read more than you could imagine. Keep a positive mindset and always do it happily.

Don’t compromise your sleep

As a student I know a lot of us feel we have to sleep less because there is a lot to read, but trust me, sleeping helps relieve stress. If you don’t sleep well, you’ll be stressed, your day will become unproductive, and you’ll start to feel depressed. Then negativity might even pop in. You won’t want that to happen during this period. At least 5-6 hours of sleep is enough, and I believe if you plan your day well, you should be able to get enough rest.

Pray

In all we do, we have to always include our maker for his blessing and guidance. So please pray well, and trust me, you will feel his presence.

READ ALSO: You Are Not Dumb, You’re Just Not Studying the Right Way

Remember, the exam questions you will face are not under your control, so why worry about them? But what’s in your control is the process: getting ready to study, the amount of time you use to study, the technique you use to study, and how productive you become are under your control. So, stay calm, stay energized, and stay positive. Believe that everything will be okay, because everything you need to succeed is already within your reach.

Article Submitted By:
Olaitan Faheemah, 400L, Department of Nursing Science