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Exam Stress
Exam stress is something which we all have experience of, and although stress is good and prepares us (e.g, enhances our focus and motivates us). Too much of it can lead to cognitive problems, for example, impairing our memory. Which is something we need running during an exam!
Stress can impact how memories are formed, as well as reduce retrieval.
It’s important to recognise symptoms of stress-impaired memory, as well as what is causing this stress in the first place! Finding the root of the problem and coming to terms with it helps to create a more focused approach to dealing with it.
Symptoms to recognise include (but not limited to):
- Forgetfulness
- Frequent confusion
- Difficulty recalling studied material
So how can we tackle this problem?
There are many coping mechanisms which we can use to reduce stress.
One simple, yet effective way to improve memory, by reducing stress, is to create a relaxation system. Whether this is a series of breathing exercises or visualising your happy place, it is important you have these systems in place and ready to use at the first sign of stress.
Many researchers (Zandi et al, 2021) have found that practising mindfulness (e.g. meditation) can help improve your memory by minimising stress, and even helping with any issues of getting to sleep.
Sleep is also an important key factor to doing well in exams, sleeping after studying helps to consolidate your learning (reinforce new information and commit them to long term memory), as well as allowing your brain to be refreshed for the next day (Diekelmann et al, 2009).
Which means you won’t end up falling asleep during your exam!
For some more information, here are some helpful links:
For anyone who may need some support, here are some useful organisations:
Zandi- DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_616_20
Diekelmann- doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2008.08.002.
Blaise Stokes, Year 12 Psychology Prefect
