Dear counsellor,

I have come to realise that I have exam fever. Every time we are expecting exams I always feel sick or deeper anxiety, and this eventually affects my performance. How can i overcome this problem?

Yours Justine

Most people suffer some degree of anxiety when preparing for exams. If you are trying to study but just can’t bring yourself to focus, you could be suffering from anxiety which impairs concentration and causes you to simply blank out. This can range from a mild nervous feeling to a full panic attack due to fear of failure. This is understandable because we live in a society that places emphasis on performance and achievement yet fear of failure is something we all struggle with and a life battle that we all need to equip ourselves with the necessary skills and mindset to fight the winning battle. Whatever your level of anxiety, learning to keep it manageable is very essential to study effectively for an exam. 

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce anxiety, which will benefit both your grades and your overall mental health. Preparing for an exam is like taking on a staid project that should be ushered in with a strategic plan. Schedule your study activity to revise in a comfortable location with good lighting and minimal distractions and be sure to focus on anything that isn’t your strongest point. Feel the fear but face it with bravery by preparing yourself physically, mentally and emotionally and outperform yourself.

The most effective way to study is attend class regularly, take good notes, do your homework, and otherwise be an active student. Form discussion groups with high achieving classmates, approach your teachers in anything you feel perplexing and use whatever strategies you can to personalise success. Get plenty of sleep and eat nutritious meals to boost your brain concentration. This will provide you with a sustained release of energy that will sail you through your exams. Fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins are highly recommended. Also drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and strive for a relaxed state of concentration to confront the exams with confidence.

During the exam, Read the instructions carefully. View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you’ve studied and to receive a reward for the studying you’ve done. You will feel absolutely liberated and your examination fear will soon be turned into an exciting instrument of success. You’re strong enough to even perform much better than what you really could imagine. Wish you the best.

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YOU DEBATE

Adeline Uwingeneye, student

This is a common issue among students, but committed students don’t let this kind of exam anxiety affect their performance. This anxiety is mainly brought by lack of proper preparation before exams. So in my opinion you need to design an effective reading timetable so that you are always ready for that period. Being ready for exams takes away the fear and brings you more confidence.

Ingrid Amina, student

Avoid studying at the last minute of your examination period. It not only creates a lot of pressure on you, but also creates negative feelings of failure thus resulting into anxiety. The best way to deal with it is to use your time well for revision. Besides, it’s important to try out several tests before the examination period so as to boost your confidence.

Juliet Giraso, student

The most important factor here is your self-esteem. Anxiety results from lack of self-esteem, so from my point of view, you need to take time to work on your confidence. Start believing you are a winner not loser. As long as you do good revision in time, the rest depends on your confidence. Talk to your fellow students who have managed the problem you’re facing and learn from them.

Sharon Ndayambaje, student

Examination fever is normal, and you shouldn’t feel out of place. Share your problem with one or two of your teachers and follow their instructions. It’s equally important to test your performance before the examination period, so that you know how you stand. This greatly improves your confidence and ability to succeed.

By Dennis Agaba