Overcoming Exam Anxiety: How to Stay Calm in Your English Exams

Exam anxiety is totally normal, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can keep your cool and smash your GCSE English exams. Here’s how! 💪✨

1. Know Your Enemy (a.k.a. Understand Your Anxiety) 🧠

First things first – why do exams make us panic? It’s because our brains see them as a “threat” and go into fight-or-flight mode (cheers, evolution 🙃). That’s why your heart races, your hands get sweaty, and your mind goes blank. But here’s the thing: you can take control.

2. Preparation = Confidence 📚✅

Anxiety feeds on uncertainty, so the more prepared you are, the less power it has over you. Make a solid revision plan, tackle past papers, and get comfortable with different question types.

Top tips:

• Break your revision into bite-sized chunks, no one likes drowning in notes.
• Use active revision; flashcards, mind maps, and teaching a friend all work wonders.
• Practise timed writing, so you’re not caught off guard on the day.

3. Breathe, Don’t Panic! 🧘‍♂️

If you feel anxiety creeping in, try box breathing:

1. Inhale for 4 seconds.
2. Hold for 4 seconds.
3. Exhale for 4 seconds.
4. Hold for 4 seconds.

Repeat this a few times, and you’ll trick your brain into chilling out. It works – trust me! 😌

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep 😴

Cramming until 2 AM will not help you. Sleep helps your brain process and retain information, so aim for at least 7-9 hours before your exam. Plus, no one wants to feel like a zombie while writing an essay.

5. Fuel Your Brain 🍌🥛

On exam day, eat a good breakfast; something with slow-release energy like porridge, eggs, or a banana. Avoid sugary snacks unless you want a crash halfway through your exam. And yes, drink water; your brain needs it!

6. The Magic of Positive Self-Talk 🔮

Your brain believes what you tell it. Instead of “I’m going to fail,” say “I’ve got this.” Instead of “I’m terrible at English,” say “I’m improving every day.” Your thoughts have power, make them work for you, not against you.

7. Have a Pre-Exam Routine 🏆

A solid routine can calm your nerves before walking into the exam hall. Try:

• Listening to music (something that hypes you up but doesn’t distract you).
• Doing a quick stretch to shake off nervous energy.
• Running through a few key quotes or techniques one last time.

8. Stay in the Moment 🕰️

During the exam, don’t think about failing or what’s next – just focus on the question in front of you. If you go blank, take a deep breath, reread the question, and start with what you do know. You’ve prepared for this!

9. Don’t Let One Question Ruin Everything 🚀

If you get a tricky question, don’t freak out! Skip it and come back later. Your brain might figure it out while you’re answering something else. Stay calm and flexible.

10. Celebrate Afterwards! 🎉

Once your exam is over, let it go. You’ve done your best, and stressing won’t change your grade. Treat yourself, whether that’s chilling with Netflix, getting your favourite snack, or just enjoying the fact that it’s over!

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This! 💯

Exam anxiety is annoying, but it doesn’t have to control you. With the right preparation, mindset, and stress-busting tricks, you can stay calm, stay focused, and absolutely smash your English exams. Believe in yourself – you’re capable of more than you think! 💪🔥