Tips for exam anxiety

Gizem Simge Kısa, clinical psychologist at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), gave advice to students who will take the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) to be held on June 17-18. Stating that the anxiety would increase excessively if sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat or abdominal pain symptoms are experienced during the exam, Kısa said, “If you experience this, sit back and sit up straight. Take a deep breath by placing your hand on your stomach, hold it for 3-4 seconds, and then exhale slowly. If your stomach swells when you breathe in and your stomach moves in when you breathe out, you are doing the exercise correctly. Repeat this a few times and focus on positive thinking by reminding yourself that you can do well in the exam.”
Millions of students, who had an intense study period in order to make their university dream come true, started the countdown for YKS. While the prospective university students focused on being successful in YKS, which is the last stage to reach their career goals, remarkable warnings came from IUE's expert clinical psychologist Gizem Simge Kısa.
DON'T SEE IT AS FEAR OR CONCERN
Stating that a little excitement before the exam is normal, but this should not reach a harmful level, Kısa said, “There is very little time left for the exam, students have tried their best so far. Now is the time to reap the rewards of hard work and achieve the goal for students. YKS is the final exam to achieve the goal for a student who dreams of the day s/he will study at university since primary school. Instead of seeing YKS as a fear or concern, we can see it as an exam that will open the door to the dreams that have been established for years. Don’t be pessimistic before the exam. For example; think about what you want to do after you start university, how you want to spend your days. YKS is an important step for the future, but it is not an irreparable exam either. Keep this in mind.”
DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF WITH ANYONE
Kısa continued as follows: “If you have any concerns about the exam, you can share it with your family and friends. Don't be introverted, don't be afraid to talk and express your feelings. But if you are constantly thinking about the exam, don’t do so. Spending time with your friends, doing activities that make you happy socially will affect your motivation positively. Trust yourself. Remind yourself that you have the knowledge and capacity to succeed in YKS. Be positive and don't compare yourself to anyone. Be careful to maintain your sleep pattern and not to go to bed late. Also, be careful not to make significant changes in your daily routine.”