17 Oct 2020

With the first exam creeping up on everybody, there is a united state of nervousness in the air. I mean, exams aren't too red hot, hey. Anyone who genuinely likes them are wackjobs if you ask me.

Here is how to shake off the first exam nerves. 

Get your dang sleep

Yep, with an exam approaching, the best thing you can do is hit the dang hay! Not at 4 am. Not at 2 am. Don't even be hanging out in the AM. PM, is your best mate. PM will give you a reasonable sleep to keep you sane.

Let's be real, without adequate sleep, you become a zonked space cadet. Stressed, clumsy, aggravated and even more nervous!!! If that think-tank of yours is operating at full capacity from catching enough Z's, your nerves will be easier to hold at bay.

Zen the heck out

I'm talking meditation, essential oils, strolling in nature, yoga, astral projection... okay I'm getting carried away there. What even is astral projection?? 

Long story short, find your happy place and relaaaaax. Take a moment to focus on your breaths as, fun fact, this can actually short-circuit your nervous system making you feel calmer and less agitated. 

Go for a cheeky walk in nature, play with your doggo, do some stretches, do a Bob Ross painting tutorial, listen to some Bob Dylan... whatever floats your zen boat.

Revise

Obviously, you want to feel as confident as possible when walking into that exam hall, so get revising! Go through your notes, get your brother to quiz you, practice practice practiceeee.

Get moving

Sure, studying is very important, but so is looking after yourself to calm those nerves down (hence us talking about sleep, relaxation and now, exercise).

Get those endorphins soaring by getting that bod of yours moving. Whether that's a quick swim at the beach, a jog, a long walk, a boogie to your fave bangers, a pilates video on youtube, a boxing class, a skateboard, a game of street cricket... Whatever it takes to get your sweat on, you'll be distracted from the world of study, study, study, and just let your happy endorphins bring a smile on your dial. 

Eat eat eat

Oh man, I had friends that were so nervous before their first exam that they either weren't hungry, were forgetting to eat or couldn't stomach food. Not good!!

I don't know if you know, but humans kinda need food to like... live. You will end up more agitated and frazzled without brain fuel so get those healthy foods in ya (whilst also treating yourself to a well-deserved treat every now and then!)

Hang with your fam and friends

Sometimes, all you need is a good laugh with some funky people to make you feel more at ease. Whilst you're there, open up to your fam and friends that you're feeling pretty nervous. They know you more than anyone and will be able to pep you up and zen you out. 

Good thoughts

"I probably didn't study enough."

"I'm not as smart as everyone else."

"I'm probably going to fail..."

STOP! RIGHT NOW! How dare you say these awful things about yourself. In fact, you're just feeding your nerves with these neg vibes.

Tell yourself that you are gonna smash it. Tell yourself in the mirror that you've got this. Tell your dogs that you are a genius. Picture yourself sending it in the exam hall, answering every q with flying colours. This all may sound silly, but for real, your positive mindset will pep you up, boost your confidence and kick your nerves to the curb. Back yourself!