So many of us get stressed and anxious about tests and exams — after all, have you ever met someone who actually likes being tested? With midterm season in full swing, it’s no surprise that so many students experience heightened anxiety and stress this time of year. However, many are in the same boat as you and it’s very normal to feel this way. If you are starting to feel overwhelmed and would like some extra support this midterm season, try out these tips and tricks to manage your midterm anxiety:

Form a study group, or find a study buddy. Not only will this allow you to have a social break in-between studying, but group study can help you work through difficult concepts with a partner, hold yourself (and others!) accountable, and stay focused. This can also be done virtually. You can keep a friend on FaceTime while you both study independently, which works just as well as the real thing!

Prep healthy study snacks. When you’re using your brain as much as you are during midterms season, the way you fuel this vital organ is important. Sugary foods can heighten anxiety, so try to stay away from sugar-packed junk food and treats. Instead, try some apples and peanut butter, a leafy green salad, or even a tuna sandwich to get those omega 3’s, B12, and healthy fats to increase your brainpower.

Get a good night’s sleep. Although it may be tempting to pull an all-nighter to finish your cue cards, sleep deprivation can actually make symptoms of anxiety worse. Try your best to get into a good sleep schedule the entire week leading up to the exam; sleep is extremely important for memory, and it’s important to practice good sleep hygiene prior to just the night before the exam. 

Take a break. It may seem like studying for hours on end is the best way to prepare for midterms, but actually, taking breaks between studying is helpful to avoid fatigue and stay on track. Best practice suggests taking 15- to 20-minute breaks between rounds of studying. Use this time to exercise, eat, rest, socialize, nap, or meditate, whatever you need to keep you going.

Tip: Try the Pomodoro Method to manage breaks between studying, pomofocus is a great online timer to try! 

Practice self-compassion. Self-compassion, developed from Buddhist psychology, is composed of three components: self-kindness, feelings of humanity, and mindfulness. Self-kindness entails being understanding to yourself, feelings of humanity focus on recognizing that nobody is perfect, and mindfulness focuses on not becoming our stressors. All of these components of self-compassion are integral during exam season when the “what ifs” drag us down. Treat yourself the way you would treat your best friend, and focus on doing the absolute best that you can, whatever that may be. 

If you need some tips on how to study, want some support figuring out where to go after exams, or need to talk to someone professional about your anxiety, your school can be a great support system! Academic advisors, student support teams, and counsellors are there to help you, so make sure to check out what resources are available to you. You can also check out Cam’s Kids “Anxiety Resources” page to find more ways to receive support.

Sources

1. https://ctl.byu.edu/tip/encouraging-study-groups
2. https://www.fnu.edu/10-reasons-form-study-group/
3. https://au.reachout.com/articles/foods-that-help-our-brain-study
4. https://www.topuniversities.com/blog/brain-food-what-eat-when-revising
5. https://www.intrepidmentalhealth.com/blog/5-common-foods-that-can-trigger-anxiety-symptoms
6. https://www.edweek.org/education/good-sleep-habits-are-better-than-a-good-nights-sleep-for-test-performance-study-finds/2020/01
7. https://www.swinburneonline.edu.au/blog/the-importance-of-study-breaks
8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/between-cultures/201802/be-kind-yourself