Stressed

By Ayesha Inoon

It's that time of year again. Nerves are raw, stress levels are high and the adrenaline is pumping as thousands of students prepare to face, what is for many, the most important exams of their lives – the G.C.E Advanced Levels. It's that final hurdle of school-life, that bridge between you and whatever future career you will pursue in the outside world. Whoever may tell you that 'exams are not everything in life,' right now though, it may seem like they are.

It's important to remember that you can only do your best, nothing more, and that life does exist beyond these examinations. "We all have different skills and abilities, and it's all about finding our niche in life," says the vice principal of a school, "if one door closes, another opens. Right now, students just need to focus on giving it their best shot – if they get through, well and good, if they don't, there's always next time, or other opportunities."

Still, taking these exams are bound to be stressful – you may feel the weight of expectation from family, school and friends, you may have fears of not having studied enough, of letting yourself down, or not getting enough marks to enter university. So how do you keep things in perspective and cope with the increasing pressure leading up to the moment that you sit down and actually answer those questions?

Believe in yourself
Remember that success in these exams is not a criterion for judging you as a whole person. Be positive about who you are and believe in your ability to do your best. It's great to reach for the stars and achieve good results – but not the end of the world if you don't. Remember that it's your life and your exam, with you in control.

Stay healthy
Studies have shown that immunity, or resistance to disease, is lower during exam-time. The last thing you want is to come down with flu or some other illness right in the middle of your A/L's! So remember to have regular, nutritious meals and adequate sleep in the days leading up to, and during, the exams.

We're all prone to pull off all-nighters fuelled by loads of coffee as exams near – but make sure these don't happen too many nights in a row, and that you do make up for the lost sleep as soon as you can.

Managing family and friends
Our loved ones can act as both positive and negative influences during this crucial time. On one hand, parents may find it difficult to suppress their own anxieties about the exams. On the other, they can also be tremendous sources of support and inspiration. Explain to your parents that you are doing your best and that you appreciate whatever help they can give you. Ask your family to keep distractions to a minimum for a few days – no visitors, loud television or radio, etc.

Talk to friends if you feel like things are getting on top of you.
Sometimes a good chat or laugh helps to put things in perspective. At the same time, avoid freaking out together! As friends you should help to increase each others' confidence, not undermine it with negative thoughts.

Visualise
This is a tool that is used by experts to achieve success in almost any life situation. Top athletes often clearly imagine winning a race before the actual event. By visualising achieving your goals, you increase the likelihood of it actually happening. Picture yourself on the day of the exam – imagine the room, sitting at the desk, and how calm and confident you are. See yourself answering questions with ease. Go one step further and imagine the exhilaration you will feel when you get through your exams. Spend a few minutes each day to do this, and the results may amaze you.

Relax
No one can concentrate endlessly for long stretches of time. Remember to take occasional, short breaks between studying. Go for a walk, watch some T.V. or simply take a power nap!