With a new semester starting, and mid-term exams to study for, it can be a very stressful time of year. It’s easy to fall into an anxious mindset, but it doesn’t have to be all bad. A little anxiety can help motivate you to study and do what it takes to pass your exams. That along with some proven strategies to lower stress can help keep you calm so you can “carry on” and do well in your exams.

I’ve read that studying continuously for long periods of time isn’t actually the best way to learn. This makes complete sense to me. Over the course of high school and now six months into my freshman year at college, I’ve learned a few tricks that have proven to lower my anxiety so that I am able to focus on preparing for exams. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed while studying, I take a ten minute break and walk around, stretch or move to a different spot. I also practice meditation to help improve my focus, and stay relaxed. Lastly, I concentrate on my breathing; taking slow deep breaths and gradually exhaling. Aside from using these techniques, I’ve realized if I study well in advance for my exams, take practice tests, use flash cards or study with classmates, I feel more prepared and ultimately less anxious on exam day.

I know from experience that spending time worrying about studying doesn’t help.  Instead, consider setting aside enough time to “get in the zone” and study. Your goal should be to balance your study prep with breaks for meals and healthy snacks, time to reflect, and time for leisure activity too. Just take a deep breath, and tell yourself “it will be okay” (because at the end of the day, it will be).

-Tess