More Exam Stress...

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So the last time I posted here it was about Exam Stress. It was 2 years ago and I was struggling to cope with the stress of exams. Well turns out I ended up doing fine on that final exams and I am grateful that this community supported me through that time. Now that im struggling again I suddenly thought of this place…

Now I’m in JC and let’s just say that the exam Stress has cranked up ×10 since I last posted here. My exams start soon (like in 3 days) and they are somenof the higher stakes exams that I have taken up until this point. I need to study more than ever but somehow I am more distracted than ever? Like idk why but I keep on doing other stuff like watching videos when I fully well know that my exams are coming up. and then just doomscroll for like 2 hours and I waste my day away. I cannot seem to focus and yet I don’t feel panicked? That’s the scary part. Somehow I have accepted my fate that maybe I won’t do well in this promos. It sucks because deep down I still desperately want to do well but I know I’m not doing the work to get those grades.

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Hello @CheesecakeIsHere thank you for sharing this. It’s honestly really great to hear that things turned out okay back then and congrats on doing well in those final exams!

Honestly, everything you described sounds really relatable. When the pressure is super high, it’s weirdly common to feel less urgency or even feel numb, like your brain kind of checks out to avoid the stress. It’s not because you don’t care, it’s more like your brain is overwhelmed and doesn’t know how to deal with it, so it defaults to distractions like scrolling or videos. You’re definitely not alone in that.

One thing that might help is to not think about the entire exam prep as one huge mountain. Try breaking it into super small, manageable goals. Like: “I’ll revise this one chapter before lunch,” or “I’ll do 3 questions from this topic and then take a break.” It sounds simple, but even completing a tiny task can help build momentum and make you feel a bit more in control.

Also, just a gentle reminder. Your grades, as important as they might feel right now, don’t define you. I know it’s easier said than done, but your effort, your mindset, and your well-being matter too.

You’ve gotten through tough times before , you can do this again. Rooting for you! All the best for your exams, I am sure you will do well!

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Hey @CheesecakeIsHere, it makes sense you’re frustrated as you want to do well but your brain isn’t matching that desire with action right now. That gap can feel scary and demoralising, especially when the stakes feel higher than ever.

Maybe you can try these few things over the next three days to get yourself moving without relying on a big surge of panic.

1. Shrink the task to start momentum.

Tell yourself you’re only committing to 10–15 minutes on a single topic or question. Often, once you start, you’ll naturally continue, but even if you stop, you’ve still studied.

2. Use a visible, bite-sized plan.

You can write a very short to-do list for just today:

Review two chapters of notes (pick specific ones).

Do three past-year questions.

Take a 5-minute walk after each session.

Seeing concrete, achievable items reduces overwhelm.

3. Block distractions instead of relying on willpower.

Temporarily move your phone to another room, or use an app/extension, for example I myself use YPT to block doomscrolling sites during my study windows.

4. Work in sprints, not marathons.

Try Pomodoro cycles—25 min study + 5 min break or even 20/5. Just knowing a break is coming makes focus less daunting.

5. Reframe the lack of panic.

Not feeling panic doesn’t mean you don’t care, it might be your brain’s way of protecting itself from stress overload. You can still choose intentional action without waiting for fear to kick in.

6. Ground yourself with self-compassion.

Remind yourself you’ve succeeded before under stress (you did fine last time). Even if these promos don’t go perfectly, they don’t define your worth or your entire future.

7. Use social accountability if possible.

If you have a classmate or friend willing to co-study virtually or in person, even quietly, that can help you stay on task. Maybe go and study in the library together.

The goal isn’t to overhaul everything in three days but to make steady, realistic progress from where you are. Pick one of these strategies and start today, even for 10 minutes. You’ve gotten through tough exams before, and you’re capable of taking small, deliberate steps again now :flexed_biceps:t2:.

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Dear @CheesecakeIsHere

Thank you for writing in. Firstly congratulations on successfully managing the stress about the ‘O’ levels and doing well in that exams. Despite how challenging preparation for those exams were, you persevered and your determination saw you through that. :smiling_face:

Understandably with the prelims for ‘A’ levels approaching, you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Please know you are not alone and the stress you described resonates with many among us. There is indeed loads to study, remember and apply.

Both @CozyCompanion and @CharmingAnt have made good suggestions and outlined strategies to use as you face the prelim exams.

Which ones among them did you use during your exam preparation in the past? Or were there other strategies that you used? I encourage you to also reflect and apply what @CozyCompanion and @CharmingAnt have suggested as you work towards the prelims.

The temptation you described which was to just while away time is very common. This Procrastination habit you described hits everyone. To overcome that, please set small goals, put aside distractions and take the first step to get started. Please know the first step is often the hardest, but keep at it. Before you know it, you would have gained momentum and completed that first small goal you set. Celebrate small wins and ride on the momentum to keep going.

Start small, but do start immediately; the community here is glad to support you in this journey so tap on us. Reach out whenever needed; you can do this!