Exam stress // how to calm down?
 

Hi thar,

Major exams around the corner. And I think I'm subconsciously stressed out. Reason is, I don't feel mounting pressure, just a tad bit of nervousness.

However, I haven't been taking naps well... or perhaps I'm just nocturnal. But the thing is, I wake up early in the morning feeling REALLY sleepy, the kind of snore-in-less-than-30-seconds-sleepiness. Trouble is, I can't get back to sleep.. I just roll around the bed for another 4 restless hours semi-conscious and telling myself that I'm asleep when I'm not.

Then I have all these weird dreams of things I don't want to happen. Not necessarily nightmares as they don't scare you, but you just wake up because it seems so wrong.

So then I can only link it to stress. Music doesn't help. Thinking of other things do not contribute to dozing off as well.

So.. what do I do here?

p/s : did a search on "sleep", found some relevant stuff but does not apply to my problem.. need help on stress management. Did a search on "stress" and found very little relevant threads or none. If I did miss out and reposted, please link me. Thankie :)

Start smoking, its pretty relaxing.

Perhaps you could try reading something incredibly boring or un-interesting in the hopes that it will cause you to doze off and sleep.

Drink some warm milk before you go to bed.. I've been told that helps one sleep better.

Oh yeah warm milk :) thanks

does cold milk work too?

Read a novel. Work out. Start learning yoga, which, in it spure form is based a lot on meditative states.

Worrying about possible stress will ensure that you get said stress. If you catch yourself even thinking about stress, take a few deep breaths and move your mind elsewhere. Trust me it becomes easier after a while.

I did the worry thing in college and it gave me axiety attacks, they really really suck. Funny thing is, once I realized I gave them to myself, I started being able to stop them.....

As for the sleep, I still haven't tackled that one yet.

working out usually helps me, or if I get really stressed out I go for a good smoke (though I'm not normally a smoker, I assume that one every few weeks wont hurt (winston or native spirits dont have any additives)). This usually helps, and if you have access, getting some good head will cure any stress related dispostion.

No, don't smoke. The times when you need a smoke will make you even more stressed. If you do smoke, keep yourself well lit until after exams.

try meditation- there are plenty of free websites or books out there that help on how to deal with stress by meditating. IT worked for me.

Also try exercising. There are few things more stress relieving than strenuous exercise like running.

Try looking through your various syllabi and getting an idea of what it is you need to do for exams, then prioritize. Having a handle on things really reduces stress. So does starting early. Try to lay off the caffeine after lunch. Don't eat out of stress, but try to eat well. Take some time to yourself each night before bed and stretch or do yoga, or write in a journal - something that relaxes you. Stay busy during the day, both physcially and mentally. Take care not to get sick, you won't get better if you aren't sleeping.

sex, natures #2 stress reliever

just pretend its like a fun challenege and have a go at it

Study.

Best way to avoid being stressed out is to be ready.

woh :) I do this all the time, it kills the guilt and it somehow, makes me happier. :hmm:


thanks for this too, that's some really good advice, I'll make sure I get enough rest.

I seem to have a problem with early starting. Not a morning person, very nocturnal. :(

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As for yoga and exercise, I find it a good way to relieve stress, but I haven't got the time to travel / get out of the house / pick it up :( sad ain't it?

Thanks for the advice again :)

I don't study much before the next paper.. :) It's like..

I dunno.. :\ just me, I never bring myself to excessive study before the next paper.

Anyone else does the same thing?

Invest in a punching bag - it's worked wonders on my past stressful events.
That and the gym.

Meditation exercises can be very useful for this.

Yeah, in all seriousness, try Yoga. Even if you don't buy into the whole "New-Age scene", it definitely relaxes you.

i dont know about before bedtime, but anytime before exams.. what i do is find the right people to hang around with. every time i have an exam, i always have a huge laugh before it :) helps ease the tension off your brain before walking in :)

I switch to max triples during exam time

Best thing for stress is exercise, I found. Get out and tire yourself out. Once your body is at peace with the energy it needs to expend, your mind can focus. I found that a team sport is usually best, that way you cannot dote on studying...you are too involved with being part of the team

I always found running for 30 to 45 minutes enabled me to focus more on my studies than just going to the books or computer cold. I think it might have something to do with concetrating on my breathing and making sure I keep proper form. Just that one hour of preparation, exercise and then a shower, kept me focused for 3 or 4 hours afterwards. I still use this method of focus in my professional life, especially on days when I have a big meeting or have to present projects. Give it a try; it might work for you.