Exams are now looming and more and more students are feeling the pressure to achieve their utmost without too much EXAM STRESS !!!.Most students especially at leaving Cert level and beyond will experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than usual . Using homeopathy at this important time might make all the difference as homeopathy can help calm your nerves !
If anxiety and stress is already a common occurance in a student’s life there is no doubt that the prospect of exams will raise stress levels even higher, for some students it can become totally overwhelming. It can be an anxious time for everyone including parents who can sometimes feel at a loss as to how to help .
A well prescribed homeopathic remedy can help support you , calming those exam nerves and easing symptoms of stress and worry.
Exam Stress and anxiety
Long study hours or an inability to get down to study, anxiety about the exams , anticipation of whats going to come up in the paper , anticipation of what the future holds… and then concentration goes out the window and your’re staring blankly at your notes and panic about not being able to study sets in . No wonder exams can be so stressful !
In my Homeopathic Practice I notice that many students can experience many physical symptoms that are a direct result of the anxiety felt . Sometimes the student is not aware that it might be the stress and worry over the exams that is causing the physical symptoms.
Stomach upset , nausea and diarrohea, nervous stomach.
Appetite changes.
Frequent headaches ranging from mild to debilitating .
Skin flare ups – If the student has a history of a skin condition e.g. ezcema , very often these conditions will surface under stress.
Fatigue and exhaustion. Inability to think straight.
Concentration difficulties , poor focus.
Generally if there is an underlying physical complaint this complaint can surface or be excerbated under stress.
Emotional symptoms
Student’s confidence can hit an all time low around exams and a fear of failing and not making the grade they need can be all consuming . High expectations from themselves and others add to the mounting stress .
Many students become irritable and easily angered , others become withdrawn and distant . Typical emotional symptoms that I see in practice are;
Low confidence
fear of failure
self esteem issues
loss of motivation
Anticipatory anxiety
Panic & Fear
irritability /anger
low moods
withdrawn
mood swings
Mentally students can suffer from brain fag and concentration difficulties .
Homeopathic Remedies for Exam Stress & Anxiety.
There are many remedies used for anxiety and stress . Below is just a brief sample picture of some commonly used homeopathic remedies that may be helpful during exam stress .
Argentum Nitricum
Total nervous dread would sum up these individuals. Mental exhaustion with a sense of hurry and pressure . confusion and loss of mental contro; under stress . Dreads exams with a fear of failing, of something going wrong . They can have irrational fears . Fearful and anxious states which can be sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea.
Gelsemium
People needing this remedy suffer from anticipation before the event. As the exam date gets closer they can literally become paralysed by fear . They have a dread of ordeals , exams and new situations. Helpful for acute anxiety with an exhausted heavy feeling with a mental dullness they may tremble , stutter and literally go blank in the exam . Overexcitement causes illness either emotional or physical.
Lycopodium
People needing lycopodium again feel nervous leading up to the exams , they are anxious and worried that they will fail or not do well . This is because their confidence is low and they have a dread of new situations . They tend to feel this anxiety in their stomach and suffer from digestive disturbances . They tend to prepare well for exams because they feel they will not perform well and despite their doubts generally do very well on the day.
Self-prescribing is often difficult and the advice of a health professional trained in homeopathy will always provide the most appropriate treatment and most effective outcome.
Simple Tips to combat Exam Stress
1. Feed your brain .
Try your best to eat well ! less junk food . Eat more nourishing foods, fish , nuts , healthy vegetables and fruit , nuts and seeds can be nibbled at your desk . A good fish oil supplement will help feed the brain. Be careful of too much caffeine or too much sugar as it will exhaust your adrenals and you end up feeling more tired .
If you’re already anxious too much caffeine will only aggravate your anxiety.
2. Take breaks.
Do not sitat your desk continually . Take breaks , move around and stretch . Go outside kick a ball . Research has shown that the brain operates more effectively when its given short breaks . Physical activity like a quick walk helps the brain operate more effectively. Also breaking up concentration with mundane tasks like emptying the dishwasher, tasks that require very little thought has been proven to increase concentration and help with problem solving , creativity .
3. Breathe and relax. Simple and effective .
Practice slow deep breathing for one to two minutes at a time. One slow deep inhalation allowing your tummy to expand as you count to 4 and hold for 7 and one slow exhalation for 8 .
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose counting to 4 .
Hold your breath for a count of seven. If you can’t hold for this long just speed everything up . the ratio of 4:7:8 is important .
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. This is a simple and effective excercise that can help relax and calm you . Try it !
4.Sleep
Do not underestimate the power of a good nights sleep on your brain . Studying all hours of the night may not be the best approach when you need a clear head in the morning.
Try not to drink caffeine after 9pm . Try a herbal night time tea .
Have some down time before you go to bed so you don’t go to bed wired . Do some relaxing breathing .
Try to keep your phone out of your bed . Switch it off !
5. Homeopathy can help strengthen your vitality and ability to cope during Exams
Homeopathy can offer you valuable , gentle support during this stressful period whether you need help calming your nerves , helping with your focus and concentration, keeping you well and able to cope at this important time in your life .
GOOD LUCK IN YOUR EXAMS !
If you have any questions on whether homeopathy would be suitable for you or to make an appointment Call Pauline @ 087 6297708 or e mail me on Contact Dublin Homeopathy .
To read what people say about their experience with homeopathy @ Dublin Homeopathy read testimonials .
