How to overcome exam anxiety and stress during SSC CGL preparation?

Preparing for the SSC CGL is a tough Task, as it is highly competitive examination. There are time, candidates preparing for this exam may have to go through a lot of stress. Many times, the pressure of success in the exam, covering the vast syllabus and strict competition often makes aspirants feel anxiety. Feeling such uneasiness can greatly impact candidate’s performance in the exam.

But adapting the right strategies and mindset can aid aspirants to manage and overcome anxiety easily. Hence, in this article, we will share some really effective and amazing tips that will help you to stay relaxed, focused, and positive throughout the preparation timeline for the SSC CGL exam.

What is Exam Anxiety?

Exam anxiety is a common feeling that every individual experience while preparing for an important exam or test. However, feeling so can actually help most of them in doing well in the exam. But, it can be a great hurdle in their performance as well if they are unable to control the anxiety. Aspirants can get hints about this feeling through physical signs (such as nausea or headache), emotional symptoms (feeling irritable, overwhelmed, etc.) or cognitive indications (difficulty in remembering the information or loosing focus, etc.).

Why Does the Exam Anxiety occur?

There are many factors that leads to exam anxiety. But major reason for this uneasiness is when a  candidate is preparing for the an important test of their life. As the result of the SSC CGL exam matters a lot for the candidates preparing for it, they can also sense this feeling during preparation. Some other common reasons for anxiety can are fear of failure, extreme expectations, lack of preparation, past negative experiences with tests, and more. Analyzing these basic symptoms can help you reduce your anxiety more efficaciously.

Tips to Manage Exam Anxiety

The SSC CGL exam is going to start from 9 September 2024, and candidates appearing for this examination might be feeling really stressed about it. That’s totally normal! Exams can be super stressful, but don’t worry – there are ways to manage your anxiety and do your best.

Make a Study Plan

Developing a well-organized study plan is the foremost need for managing the anxiety. Planning an effective study schedule will help you allocate your study time properly along with easily covering the entire syllabus without any rush.

• Set Achievable Goals by breaking down the syllabus into manageable portions and plan goals on daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Prioritize the topics that you feel are most difficult and allocate adequate time for their preparation.
• Make sure to take regular breaks to keep yourself recharged and avoid any stress.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Cultivating mindful awareness and employing relaxation techniques can aid you keep your mind calm and composed.

• Practice some exercises for deep breathing to refresh your mind and body.
• Meditate daily for few mints to improve your concentration and relax yourself.
• Perform progressive muscle relaxation to ease the physical tension and feel more fit.

Keep a Healthy Lifestyle.

Having a maintained healthy lifestyle greatly impacts your physical and mental health.

• Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet that instill you with a great energy to study effectively.
• Do physical workout daily as such exercises release endorphins that keep your mood light and happy.
• Take proper sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours every night.

Maintain an Optimistic Outlook

Staying motivated and maintain a positive attitude can help you remain hopeful and control your anxiety.

• Take help of positive and motivated affirmations that enhance your confidence and lessen the negative thoughts.
• Imagine motivating visualizations such as acing the exam with excellent marks. This increases your reliance and motivation for the exam.
• Give acknowledgement and credit to yourself for the progression and little successions.

Seek Assistance

Take support of any other person or resource to share and divert your uneasy feeling.

• Share your feeling and problems with someone you can rely on. Doing do, you will feel less uneasy and supported.
• Study with a group or your friend to keep a comforting and motivated environment.
• If your anxiety is getting unbearable, reach out for help from a professional therapist or a counsellor.

Practice Daily

Regular practice is not just a key to success but is also a great way for managing anxiety.

• Attempts mock tests regularly to track the examination environment. Through this, you will get acclimated with the exam structure and can control uneasiness.
• Practice previous year papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and types of questions asked.
• Aim at solving the question papers within the allotted timeline for managing the exam time more efficiently.

Be Organized

Staying coordinated and organized reduces your anxiety by making sure everything is well planned and on track for your exam preparation

• Maintain a study diary or planner to record your study plan, deadlines, and growth.
• Ensure your study materials are easily accessible and make short and organized notes for quick revision
• Create a dedicated study space that is far from any distractions and promotes effective learning.