10 Golden Tips from an Expert to Combat Exam Anxiety Before LGS and YKS!
With only a few days left until the LGS and YKS, both students and families are trying to cope with increasing exam anxiety. Clinical Psychologist Derya Büşra Güneş explains ways to manage exam stress during this period and draws attention to the impact of parental attitudes on children's success.
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As the dates for the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) and the High School Entrance Examination (LGS) approach, they create excitement and stress for families as much as they do for students. Stating that exam anxiety can be beneficial to a certain degree, Clinical Psychologist Derya Büşra Güneş pointed out that intense anxiety can negatively affect students' exam performance by preventing the effective use of learned information. Güneş states that it is a dangerous mistake for families to compare their children with their peers.
WHAT IS EXAM ANXIETY AND HOW DOES IT EMERGE?
Emphasizing that exam anxiety is a state of intense worry that can arise before, during, or after an exam, the psychologist said, “This situation can manifest itself with physical and mental symptoms such as lack of concentration, forgetfulness, nausea, and heart palpitations. Catastrophic scenarios like ‘I won't succeed, I am inadequate’ can cause anxiety to increase even further.”
ANXIETY CAN IMPROVE PERFORMANCE WHEN MANAGED CORRECTLY
“Beneficial anxiety can motivate the student. However, if this anxiety becomes excessive, concentration is impaired, racing thoughts occur, and the student's success may decline,”
PEER COMPARISON IS A BIG MISTAKE
Clinical Psychologist Derya Büşra Güneş pointed out that exam anxiety can be felt intensely not only by students but also by parents. “During exam periods, the attitude of families directly affects the anxiety levels of children. Especially viewing the exam as an indicator of ‘success or failure’ increases the pressure on children. This can negatively affect exam performance,” said Güneş, emphasizing that peer comparisons can create stress and a sense of worthlessness in students.
She also added that family support before the exam contributes to success by ensuring the child feels self-confident.
“Every child's area of interest, learning capacity, and developmental speed are different. Instead of focusing on issues like others' scores, success rankings, or exam averages, one should focus on the child's individual development and effort.”
10 GOLDEN TIPS TO REDUCE EXAM ANXIETY
- Manage time efficiently: Create a daily study plan and do not leave topics for the final week.
- Prioritize nutrition and sleep: Get enough sleep and avoid excessive sugar and caffeine.
- Think realistically: It is healthier to say “Anxiety is normal” rather than “I shouldn't be anxious.”
- Do not catastrophize physical symptoms: Trembling and sweating are temporary and natural.
- Practice breathing and relaxation exercises.
- Do not procrastinate: Leaving topics for the final days increases anxiety.
- Stay away from comparisons: Focus on your own development, not others.
- Do not try new foods or medications: Avoid things your body is not accustomed to.
- Reframe negative thoughts: Instead of “I won't succeed,” say “I will do my best.”
- Get support if necessary: If there are sleep problems, intense anxiety, and impairment in functionality, expert support is essential.
“LGS and YKS are just exams. In this process, feeling good is just as much a factor that directly affects success as preparing well. It is necessary to recognize and manage anxiety, and more importantly, to believe.”