BY JACKIE LAWSON   |   Gaither High

Nothing like exam week to send your stress level to an all-time high. Because exams have a powerful effect on YOUR COURSE GRADES and YOUR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS and YOUR LIFE, preparation can seem overwhelming.  •  Calm down! There are positive ways to get around and even conquer the enormous anxiety. Check out these tips.**                                        

Go outdoors and breathe fresh air.
Take a short walk, run or bike ride. Sometimes getting out of your study environment is enough to alleviate at least some anxiety. Too often students trap themselves indoors for hours on end, which is hardly healthy for their emotional well-being. When studying, it’s easy to forget that there is a bright, beautiful world out there. Entering it, even for a moment, can brighten a temporarily dull perspective on life and make your brain ready to tackle the books again.

When in doubt, dance it out.
Throw yourself an impromptu 30-second dance party. Take a little bit of time away from the books to just break it down and dance. It helps if you open the sacred ’90s playlist on your iPod and blast some Backstreet Boys or Britney Spears; the more outrageous and outdated the better. Letting loose and circulating blood flow during study breaks will reduce tension.

Reward yourself for hitting the books.
When studying, wear your favorite sweatpants, buy a delicious coffee drink or do whatever you can to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Beforehand, make a promise to treat yourself after a hard day’s night. That way you’ll have something to look forward to when the nightmare is over, besides a glowing report card.

Realize that it’s just an exam.
Despite what we shouted in the lead of this story, test results don’t determine self-worth, kindness or overall intelligence. Though before exams it may seem like the end of the world is nigh, keep in mind there are more important things in life. Take a deep breath and try to relax. Maybe even make a list of positive things you have going for you, regardless of whether or not you successfully tackle that monstrosity of a chemistry midterm. And remember, you did sit in the class all semester, so you’re bound to see something familiar on the test. Well, we hope you do.

It’s okay to be a little bit nervous.
While it’s good to engage in a variety of study tips and techniques that work for you, true success on exams is due in part to a little bit of self-confidence. It’s all in how well you handle the pressure. With some hard work and a little luck, or okay, perhaps a grading curve, you can survive even the most gigantic tests.

**Disclaimer: Results may vary.