29 March 2018 By Jonathan Gibbs at The Body Matters in Hypnotherapy

Exam nerves

During one’s life, there are numerous occasions when we are tested or assessed in some way. Obvious examples might be academic tests such as GCSE, A levels and university exams, as well as driving tests and workplace performance reviews or appraisals.

Feeling anxious and nervous about examinations and tests is natural and understandable. To an extent, our nerves may keep us motivated and focused prior to, and in these situations – ensuring that we sufficiently prepare and concentrate. However, excessive nerves before an exam may hinder one’s preparation and make it more difficult to retain information. During an exam, excessive nerves might prevent one from being able to focus and lead to underperformance. It could even mean that one is unable to sit an exam.

Practical pre-exam advice given by the NHS includes: eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise. For parents with children taking exams, in addition to encouraging and enabling children to do the above, parents should talk to children about their nerves, and avoid adding to the pressure that they are already under.

You may be interested to know that BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT®) is a fast, effective technique, that can help one to feel the way they would like to feel in exams – great if you, or one of your children is finding that exam nerves are getting too much.

To arrange a free first session to discuss how you are affected by this issue and how therapy can help, you can contact Jonathan at The Body Matters on 01702 714968.