How to Get Your Grades When Dealing with Anxiety

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a professional when it comes to anxiety. I'm not a doctor. But I deal with anxiety on a daily basis, and I know what it's like to have to deal with anxiety when you're waiting to receive a graded piece - an exam, a paper, whatever it may be - or when you are preparing to take an exam. These are just a few of the things that I do when I'm dealing with my anxiety.

I want to disclaim that I know these may not work for everyone; everyone has their own ways to cope with anxiety. My hope is that some of these - even just one! - will help someone get through the anxiety they're dealing with.

BEFORE GETTING YOUR GRADES/TAKING YOUR EXAM:

Keep a positive mindset. Relax and focus on your task. Think about the grades you want and the positive things that can come from getting those grades. I know this is a lot harder said than done, but it's important to try to breathe and relax.

Focus! I know binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix or Hulu is great, but if you have that playing while you're trying to study you're less likely to focus on your work. If you need background noise, try some of the apps I've suggested here.

Study. I know this seems obvious, but I've met and talked to a lot of students who are so confident in their grasp on the material that they refuse to study before an exam. I can't stress how important it is to study. I suggest trying some different styles and techniques and finding one that works best for you.

Ask! Again, I know it seems obvious, but I've been one of those students who didn't understand something and refused to ask. If you have questions, ask. Please don't be afraid to ask. Your teachers/professors aren't against you; they want to see you succeed, and they'll help you. But you have to ask.

WHEN GETTING YOUR GRADES/EXAM RESULTS:

Breathe. Take a few long, deep breaths. Clost your eyes before you look at your exam/paper/etc.

Before you totally give up, ask yourself why you got the grade you did (especially if you got a bad grade). Talk to your teacher/professor if you don't understand something you missed. Keep your cool when you talk to them - remember, they're there to help you.

If you received a good grade, way to go! Give yourself a pat on the back and congratulate yourself. Don't get too cocky though.

Don't be ashamed! If you got a bad grade, it's okay! It's just a mistake. I know what it's like to feel like you've failed and ruined your life because of a bad mark. I've been there. But the truth is, one bad grade isn't the end. You can do better and you will.

AFTER GETTING YOUR GRADES/EXAM RESULTS:

Express yourself! Bottling things up, especially negative feelings, never ends well. It isn't healthy. Find a way to release your feelings: a journal, a friend, a family member. Scream or cry! Do whatever it takes to release your feelings in a healthy manner.

The same goes for your feelings if you got a good grade - celebrate! Write about how you felt receiving that grade in a journal or on the exam/paper itself. Tell a friend or family member how you feel (especially if you were stressed prior to taking the exam or writing the paper). You did well and you deserve the chance to let your feelings out.

Learn from your mistakes. After you've let all your feelings out, take some time to reflect on your grade. What did you miss? Why did you miss it? Was it a matter of rushing through to finish? Did you not know the material as well as you thought? Take the feedback you recieve from your teacher/professor and work it into your next study session.

Equally, if you got a good grade, reflect on what techniques you used during your study sessions. Why did they help you? Were those methods unique to that particular course or are they methods you can transfer to study sessions for other courses and subjects?

Again, I know that everyone copes with their anxiety differently, but I hope that you guys find at least one of these tips helpful!

Study well, lovelies!

#tips #advice