Exams are an integral part of every student's academic life. Exam stress and anxiety are common experiences for students of all ages. Examinations that continue from the first year of primary education, high school, university, and after higher education can be a cause for anxiety in our lives. Because of this, we can not only experience test anxiety, but also see deterioration in other areas of our lives. Academic performance can have effects on mental health, social life, interpersonal relationships, and general well-being.
One of the main causes of exam stress and anxiety is the pressure to perform well. Students may feel pressure and stress with the thought that their grades and academic success will determine their future. This can be exacerbated by societal expectations, parental pressure, and increased competition with peers. Fear of failure is a major cause of exam stress and anxiety. Students may be concerned that their test results will not meet their expectations. Because of this, they may experience feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and anxiety. The pressure to achieve success can increase students' self-esteem and negative thinking, thereby increasing their stress levels even more. Thus, the problem that starts with academic success anxiety may start to show negative effects on the individual development of the person.
Exam stress and anxiety can significantly affect students' academic performance. When students are under stress, their ability to concentrate and remember information is reduced. They may have difficulty remembering the information they studied, or they may be completely blank during the exam. This can lead to poor performance and further increase stress levels, creating a cycle of anxiety and poor academic performance. In addition, exam stress and anxiety can affect students' mental and physical health. Students may experience symptoms such as headache, stomach ache and insomnia. In addition, they may feel irritable, anxious and overwhelmed, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. If left untreated, more serious mental health problems such as exam stress and anxiety, depression and anxiety disorders may lead to them.
Students can apply various coping strategies to manage negative feelings and thoughts brought about by exam stress. One of the most effective ways is to prepare well in advance. By acquiring regular study habits and repeating the information learned before the exam, they can gain the self-confidence needed for a successful exam. Since the exams are not the test tools that come with the beginning of the education, the person can develop a strategy to prepare for the exams by establishing a regular study system step by step in the distant future. Also, exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can help reduce students' stress levels. The most important thing is family support. The family needs to show and show unconditional love. Instead of only speaking with praise when he is successful, explain to your child that this is normal in cases where you can see him as "unsuccessful" and that he may get different results in the next exam or test. Remember, your child's academic success is as important as his or her healthy development in an environment where they feel safe and loved.
In addition to these, students can also use relaxation techniques to reduce their exam anxiety. Activities such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, regular exercise and hobbies can be effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels. In addition, it may be helpful for students to take time for themselves before and after the exam, do their favorite activities, spend time with their friends and get support. This will also allow them to improve socially.
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