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Lyra Castro

Managing Exam Stress: 7 Strategies for University Students


students taking exam

Exam season often brings a whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and pressure. But you don’t have to let exam stress take over your life. With the right strategies, you can stay calm, focused, and even find some balance amidst the chaos. Here are seven ways to effectively manage exam stress, including how Scholarpal can make studying a little less overwhelming.

 

1. Plan Your Study Schedule in Advance

Creating a study plan well ahead of your exams can reduce stress significantly. Break your subjects into manageable chunks and schedule specific times to review each topic. This way, you’ll avoid last-minute cramming and feel more prepared as exams approach.


Pro Tip: Use planners or apps like Google Calendar or Notion to organize your study schedule and set reminders.

 

2. Focus on Breathing Techniques

Stress often causes shallow breathing, which can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing exercises. Try the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. This can quickly calm your mind.


Why It Works: Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and helping you focus better.

 

3. Use Scholarpal for Efficient Study Sessions

When exam prep gets tough and you’re stuck on a difficult topic, Scholarpal can save you precious time. This Chrome extension lets you highlight questions and instantly get step-by-step explanations, helping you grasp challenging concepts more quickly.


Why Scholarpal Helps: By breaking down complex material, Scholarpal reduces the frustration of being stuck and boosts your confidence going into exams.

 

4. Take Regular Breaks to Avoid Burnout

Studying for hours without a break may seem productive, but it often leads to burnout and fatigue. Incorporate short breaks every hour to recharge. Use this time to stretch, hydrate, grab a healthy snack, or step outside for fresh air.


Pro Tip: The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) can improve concentration and make study sessions more manageable.

 

5. Get Moving

Exercise is a natural stress reliever. Even a 15-20 minute walk can boost endorphin levels and clear your mind. Yoga, jogging, or simple stretching routines can also be great ways to relieve exam-related tension.


Why It Works: Physical activity reduces stress hormones like cortisol and increases feel-good chemicals, improving mood and focus.

 

6. Avoid Comparisons with Others

It’s easy to feel anxious when you compare your progress to your peers. Everyone studies and learns differently, so focus on your own path. Avoid discussions that make you feel overwhelmed or anxious about what you haven’t covered.


Why It Works: Comparison often leads to negative self-talk, which can heighten stress. Staying focused on your plan keeps you grounded and motivated.

 

7. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition

Pulling all-nighters may seem tempting, but sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Eat balanced meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to fuel your brain.


Pro Tip: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, and avoid caffeine and screens close to bedtime to improve the quality of your rest.

 

Students sitting together

Exam stress is normal, but it doesn’t have to control you. With thoughtful planning, self-care, and smart tools like Scholarpal, you can tackle exams with confidence. Focus on staying calm, consistent, and kind to yourself throughout the process. You’ve got this!

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