Beware Examzilla!

Not enough preparation can turn you into "Examzilla." (Nick Pearce Photo)

Nail biting, sweaty palms and sleepless nights. And forget bags—you’ve got a full set of luggage under your eyes.

Yep, it’s that time again… exams.

As we turn our calendars to the chilly month of December, the stress of exam preparation is soon to follow. There’s nothing worse than going to all your classes and knowing all your stuff, only to find your brain has already gone on vacation come exam time.

Finals are unquestionably the most stressful time of the year and how four months of classes flew by so quickly continues to remain a mystery.

We’ve all heard the statistics that stress adversely affects performance, and we’ve all read the ‘secret’ stress reducing tips – but how many of us actually use the advice we’re given? Considering most students sit through about 87 exams during their school career, remembering these tips can definitely come in handy.

Stress not only turns you into Examzilla—you know, a moody and wide-eyed coffee guzzling beast-monster who survives on a few hours of sleep, and has a life-span of approximately two weeks—but it can also affect your ability to perform your best and to retain and reiterate information. Stress has also been linked to deficient immune systems and a wide array of physical health problems.

While exam stress is natural, some struggle more than others. If you haven’t experienced extreme stress yourself, I’m sure you’ve caught a glimpse of an Examzilla during your time here at Dalhousie. Frequent sightings have been said to occur in the Killam; watch for tracks of empty coffee cups and pencil shavings.

Next time you’re procrastinating, why not try a few of these simple stress reducing tips:

• Cut back on caffeine: Relying too heavily on this “life saver” can actually impair concentration and increase stress levels. This also goes for alcohol - avoid the temptation! Stick to water or juice, this will keep your sugars up and keep you hydrated.
• Take breaks: I once heard a story of a girl who colored a square block on a piece of paper after every hour while she studied. Doing something like this not only gives your brain a break, but lets you visually see your accomplishments.
• Manage expectations: Don’t expect to cram four months of classes into three days. This could be the most useful tip—spread your studies out.
• Look after your body: A little exercise goes a long way—and putting yourself on house arrest will not make studying any easier. Get outside during a study break to let loose, or pound out some stress on a treadmill at the Dalplex.
• Ask for support: Did you know that here on campus Dalhousie offers many counseling services and study workshops, especially during exam time? You pay for these services in your tuition fees, so take advantage and seek help when you need it.
• Remember to double check where and when your exams are. There's nothing worse than thinking your exam is at Dalplex when it's actually at Sexton Gym. (See: Exam Schedule.)

“We provide a variety of services here," says Victor Day, director of Dalhousie Counselling Services Centre, which is located in the Student Union Building. “However most of our work helping students is done via individual sessions.”

Just remember, exams have a beginning and an end, and nothing is ever as bad as it seems. You’ve survived four months of classes, what’s the big deal about one more test?

Trevor Ritchie, a third-year commerce student, is doing an internship with Dalhousie's Communications and Marketing Office.