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The Communicator

The Communicator

Recognizing Stress

Recognizing Stress
Illustration by Maggie Sowder

For most CHS students, stress is just another side effect that comes along with bi-annually exams. AAPS Psychologist Marilyn Higgins says that not sleeping, stomachaches, headaches, and lack of concentration are all common symptoms of stress. Stress is a natural feeling though, and, in moderation, can be good motivation, but too much can lead to health concerns.

Stress is not only limited to exams, however.  Daily homework, projects, and tests are all a possible source of stress. Higgins says that sleep, good nutrition, and exercise all can contribute to stress reduction.  She also says that a good proactive way to reduce stress- especially if you continually find yourself battling with being over-stressed- is to make a plan.  It can be as simple as making short-term goals, or setting aside a time specifically for studying every day.  Asking questions and getting help also helps.

As for studying  before the exam, Higgins noted that a sheet of paper or a note card helps many students a lot.  The act of looking over all the material from a class and condensing it down helps students study main ideas of the class.

On the day of the actual test or exam, though Higgins highly recommends to show up a little early to the class. She explained that a study shows that when students took an exam, and showed up at different times, and the students who showed up early, did better.

During the test, positive thinking is your best friend.  Negative thoughts will bring your confidence down and affect you performance.  Some people even recommend using various breathing techniques to calm down and focus before a test.  Another way to help yourself do better on a test, especially if it is not timed, is to slow down. Focus on each individual question and read it fully. Make sure you understand the question as best as you can before answering the question.

After the test, don’t worry about it anymore. “Keep moving on,” recommends Higgins, and says to keep in mind that, “ten years from now, it doesn’t matter what I got on this test.”

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Recognizing Stress