How to Over-come the Exam Anxiety: A Personal Journey

During my school days, even though I have never had an exam fear, I used to get paralyzing anxiety the entire night before my exam. I usually wave these feelings away as exams are my first priority for a better future. In a blur of time, I found myself inside Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, being suddenly overwhelmed with my internals after what it felt like a few weeks as a college fresher. Suddenly, I found myself grappling with exam anxiety. The relentless pressure to excel, the fear of failure, and the uncertainty about what the future holds became an overwhelming mix of emotions. It started to affect not just my studies but my overall well-being. Many nights, I lay awake, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios, leaving me struggling to focus when it mattered most. 

A part of me would simply choose whether to go for an alternative where I don't really have to study and simply could work on everything on the same day, but then being given many other casual tests, surprise quizzes, assignments, and paper presentations proved me otherwise. With almost no time to spend on my studies, I meticulously began focusing on my classes. Being a good listener as a child helped me a lot in focusing on long-time speeches. 

I used to shy away from facing the truth and live in a lie rather than admitting the truth that this stress and anxiety would end up boring a hole in my long-term career after my graduation. After noticing that my professors and tutors at SREC are really open to our problems, I made a bold decision to conquer what my past self couldn't and began speaking with my tutors, who were actually happy to offer their help in helping me bring up a better version of myself. 

Through this experience, I learned several valuable lessons that I believe can benefit students like me: 

1. Encouraging an Open Dialogue- 

Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for students to discuss their mental health concerns with their trusted professors can go a long way in helping them cope with exam anxiety. 

2. Providing Access to Resources- 

My college's counseling services provided me with personalized guidance, academic support, stress management, and many other referrals to additional resources like coping strategies. 

3. Fostering a Growth Mindset- 

As a collegian, emphasizing the importance of effort, persistence, and progress over grades and outcomes can help students reframe their mindset around exams. By focusing on the process rather than the outcome, students can develop a growth mindset that helps them navigate exam anxiety with greater ease. 

4. Promoting Self-Care- 

Encouraging ourselves to make self-care a priority, whether through exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques can go a long way in helping students manage stress and anxiety. By incorporating self-care into their daily routine, students can develop healthy habits that benefit them beyond their academic pursuits. 

5. Social Comparison- 

By acknowledging the importance of individual progress and self-improvement and focusing on their growth and development, students can avoid the stress and pressure that comes with comparing themselves to other students, which can lead to a rift in the togetherness of peers. 

In conclusion, overcoming exam anxiety requires a holistic approach that addresses the emotional, psychological, and academic needs of students. As I reflect on my personal journey of overcoming exam anxiety, I am reminded of the transformative power of my supportive tutors and professors with a holistic approach to education. Exam anxiety is not a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity to grow and develop resilience.