Feeling nervous before or during WAEC exams is normal. However, when anxiety becomes too much, it can affect your concentration, memory, and performance – even if you studied well.
The good news? Exams anxiety can be managed. This guide shows you simple and effective ways to stay calm, confident, and focused during WAEC.
What Is Exam Anxiety?
Exam anxiety is the fear, worry, or stress students feel before or during exams.
Common signs include:
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweaty palms
- Forgetting answers suddenly
- Fear of failurw
- Difficulty concentrating
Feeling anxious does not mean you are not prepared.
1. Prepare Early and Study Smart
Poor preparation increases anxiety.
- Study with WAEC syllabus
- Practice past questions
- Revise regularly instead of cramming
√ Confidence comes from preparation.
2. Have a Simple Study Plan
Unplanned reading causes panic.
- Study 2 – 3 subjects per day
- Break topics into small sections
- Avoid overnight reading
A clear plan makes exams feel manageable.
3. Change Negative Thoughts
Thoughts like:
- “I will fail”
- “I am not good enough”
increase anxiety.
Replace them with:
- “I prepared well”
- “I will do my best”
♦ Your mind listen to what you tell it.
4. Use Breathing to Calm Your Nerves
Before or during the exam:
- Breathe in slowly through your nose (4 seconds)
- Hold briefly
- Breathe out slowly through your mouth (6 seconds)
♥ This helps calm your body and mind.
5. Start with Easy Question in the Exam Hall
Jumping into difficult questions increases fear.
Instead:
- Answer questions you know first
- Build confidence
- Return to harder one later
→ Small wins reduce anxiety.
6. Take Care of Your Body
A stressed body worsens anxiety.
- Sleep well
- Eat light and healthy meals
- Drink water
- Avoid too much caffeine
A healthy body support a calm mind.
7. Avoid Negative Discussions Before Exams
Some students increase anxiety by:
- Talking about “leaked questions”
- Complaining about how hard exams are
- Predicting failure
⇒ Stay away from negative conversation before exams
8. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Everyone studies differently.
Comparing yourself can:
- Lower confidence
- Increase fear
- Reduces focus
♥ Focus on your own preparation, not others.
9. Accept That Nervousness Is Normal
Even top student feel nervous.
The goal is not to remove anxiety completely, but to control it.
¤ A little nervousness can actually improve performance.
10. Talk to Someone If Anxiety Feels Too Much
If anxiety feels overwhelming:
- Talk to a teacher
- Talk to parent
- Talk to a trusted friend
You don’t have to handle it alone.
⊗ Final Ecouragement
WAEC is important, but it does not define your worth or your future.
- √ Prepare well
- √ Stay calm
- √ Believe in your effort
- √ Take one paper at time
You are more capable than you think.