How to Manage Exam Anxiety During NECO 2025/2026.

How to Manage Exam Anxiety During NECO 2025/2026.; It’s normal to feel nervous before exams. But when anxiety becomes too much, it can affect your performance. This can be especially true during big exams like NECO. You might worry about failing or feel overwhelmed by the amount of studying you have to do. However, managing this anxiety is possible. In this article, we will share tips and techniques to help you manage your anxiety during the NECO 2025/2026 exams.

1. Understand Your Anxiety

Before you can manage your anxiety, it’s important to understand what it is and why it happens. Exam anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that comes up when you think about your exams.

Why Does Anxiety Happen?

Fear of Failure: You might worry about not doing well and disappointing yourself or others.
Pressure to Succeed: Sometimes, the pressure to pass exams and do well can create stress.
Lack of Confidence: Not feeling fully prepared can cause you to doubt your abilities.
Past Experiences: If you have struggled in previous exams, you might feel anxious about facing the same situation again.

Understanding that these feelings are normal is the first step in managing them.

2. Create a Study Plan

One of the main reasons for anxiety is not feeling prepared. Creating a study plan can help reduce this worry. A clear plan gives you structure and helps you manage your time better.

Why a Study Plan Helps

Reduces Worry: When you know exactly what to study and when to study it, you feel more confident.
Makes Studying Easier: A plan breaks down your study material into smaller, more manageable parts.
Increases Productivity: With a plan, you will use your time wisely, so you don’t feel rushed at the last minute.

How to Make a Study Plan

Write Down Your Subjects: Make a list of all the subjects you need to study for NECO.
Break It Into Smaller Tasks: Instead of studying for hours, break each subject into smaller topics. Focus on one small task at a time.
Set a Time for Each Task: Decide how long you will spend on each subject or topic. Stick to the schedule as much as you can.
Take Breaks: Include short breaks in your study plan. Breaks help you stay focused and avoid burnout.

3. Practice Deep Breathing

When you feel anxious, your body reacts by becoming tense, and your breathing becomes shallow. Deep breathing helps calm the body and mind.

Why Deep Breathing Helps

Calms Your Body: Deep breathing lowers your heart rate and relaxes your muscles, which helps to calm anxiety.
Improves Focus: Deep breathing helps you focus by bringing more oxygen to your brain, helping you think more clearly.
Reduces Stress: It lowers the level of stress hormones in your body, making you feel more relaxed.

How to Practice Deep Breathing

Sit Comfortably: Find a quiet place to sit, and make sure you are comfortable.
Breathe Slowly: Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth.
Repeat: Do this for a few minutes. You can also repeat this whenever you feel anxious, even before or during your NECO exam.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can make you more anxious and less able to focus. It is essential to rest properly during your NECO preparation. Sleep helps you retain information and reduces stress.

Why Sleep is Important

Helps Your Brain Function: When you sleep, your brain organizes the information you have studied, making it easier to recall during the exam.
Reduces Anxiety: Sleep helps your body relax and reduces feelings of nervousness.
Improves Focus: After a good night’s sleep, you will be more alert and able to concentrate on your study material.

How to Sleep Better

Set a Bedtime: Try to go to bed at the same time every night and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep.
Create a Sleep Routine: Before bed, avoid studying or using your phone. Try to relax by reading or listening to music.
Make Your Sleep Environment Comfortable: Keep your room dark, quiet, and cool to help you sleep better.

5. Stay Positive and Avoid Negative Thoughts

Sometimes, the fear of failing can make your anxiety worse. It’s important to focus on positive thoughts and avoid negative thinking.

Why Positive Thinking Helps

Boosts Confidence: When you think positively, you believe in yourself and your abilities, which helps you stay calm.
Reduces Stress: Positive thoughts reduce worry and make you feel more at ease during your study sessions and exams.
Improves Performance: Positive thinking helps you stay motivated, which makes it easier to study and perform well in your exams.

How to Stay Positive

Focus on Your Strengths: Remind yourself of the subjects you are good at and the progress you’ve made.
Replace Negative Thoughts: If you catch yourself thinking “I can’t do this,” change it to “I can do this if I study hard.”
Visualize Success: Imagine yourself doing well in your exams. Picture yourself feeling confident and proud of your hard work.

6. Take Care of Your Body

Exercise and eating healthy foods can help you feel better both physically and mentally. When you take care of your body, it can reduce feelings of anxiety and help you focus better.

Why Physical Health is Important

Improves Mood: Physical activity releases chemicals that make you feel happy and reduce stress.
Increases Energy: Exercise helps you feel more energetic, so you can study without feeling too tired.
Helps You Sleep: Regular exercise helps you sleep better, which is crucial for managing anxiety.

How to Take Care of Your Body

Exercise Regularly: You don’t have to do intense workouts. Even a 15-minute walk or stretching exercises can help.
Eat Healthy Foods: Include fruits, vegetables, and proteins in your meals. Healthy food helps your brain and body work better.
Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can make you feel tired and stressed.

7. Talk to Someone

Talking to someone you trust can help you feel supported and less anxious. Sometimes, just expressing your worries can make a big difference.

Why Talking Helps

Reduces Stress: Talking about your feelings can help you release some of the stress you are holding inside.
Offers Support: The people you talk to can offer advice, encouragement, and understanding.
Helps You Feel Understood: When you talk to someone, you realize you are not alone in your feelings.

Who to Talk To

Family and Friends: They can listen and provide comfort during stressful times.
Teachers or Counselors: If you feel overwhelmed, talking to a teacher or school counselor can help. They might have helpful advice or tips for managing stress.
Classmates: You can also talk to classmates who are going through the same thing. Sharing your concerns can help you feel less isolated.

8. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques like meditation and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety. These methods allow you to focus on the present moment, instead of worrying about the future.

Why Relaxation Techniques Work

Calms the Mind: Meditation helps quiet your thoughts, reducing anxiety.
Reduces Stress: Mindfulness helps you stay calm, which lowers the body’s stress levels.
Improves Focus: Relaxation techniques can help you concentrate better on your studies.

How to Practice Relaxation

Try Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day sitting quietly and focusing on your breath. Let go of any stressful thoughts.
Practice Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment. When you feel anxious, pause and pay attention to your surroundings, breathing, and body.
Use Apps: There are apps available that guide you through relaxation exercises and meditation.

Conclusion

Exam anxiety during NECO 2025/2026 is something many students face, but it can be managed. By creating a study plan, practicing deep breathing, getting enough sleep, and staying positive, you can reduce anxiety and perform your best in the exams. Remember, taking care of your body and talking to someone you trust can also help. Keep these tips in mind, and with patience and practice, you’ll be able to handle your anxiety and succeed in your exams.