Managing exam stress

In short: Exam stress is a normal reaction to an important challenge but can impair performance if too intense. Preparation, relaxation techniques and realistic expectations help manage it.

In more detail: A certain level of nervousness even improves performance, while too much anxiety blocks thinking.

In detail

• Early preparation: Studying in good time reduces pressure in the last days before the exam.
• Realistic planning: Create a study plan with achievable daily goals.
• Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation before the exam (meditation-grundlagen).
• Simulation: Mock exams under realistic conditions reduce fear of the actual exam.
• Physical preparation: Sufficient sleep before the exam is more important than studying late into the night.
• Thought patterns: Consciously question catastrophising thoughts and put them into realistic perspective.
• After the exam: Plan a break and recovery regardless of the result.