Test anxiety - what helps you relax?

I like getting my hands dirty before exams - literally 😄 Baking just works best for me to chill out, because you have to focus completely on something concrete and can't think about the stress. Maybe that sounds weird, but when I'm kneading dough or pulling cookies out of the oven, I'm way more relaxed afterward. Other than that, short walks help me too, and just talking it through with someone - sometimes you just need someone to listen.

For me, exercise is the main thing that helps - I go out skiing or do longer hikes. It's not just relaxation but a real reset for my head. The combination of fresh air, physical exertion, and focusing on the slope or trail just takes the anxiety away. After that I can learn way better and I'm not so tense anymore.

But here's what's important: a lot of people think they need to relax by sitting down and watching relaxation videos or whatever. That doesn't work for me at all - I actually get more restless doing that. If you notice that typical relaxation techniques aren't helping you but actually frustrating you more, then try something that really distracts you and at the same time pushes you physically. Everyone just works differently.

What also helps a ton: on exam day, don't overthink it but really remind yourself that you're prepared (if you actually prepared yourself 😄). I like to write down everything I've already learned - it often looks more impressive than you'd think. And then get outside before the exam starts, don't just sit around in the classroom.

What helps me most is photography - just going out and focusing only on light, composition, and the moment, then there's no room in your head for exam anxiety. Besides that, I've got another trick that I used to underestimate: deliberately taking a cold shower or splashing cold water on your face, it works like a reset and really effectively breaks the anxiety cycle. It's faster than long hikes and you only need two minutes for it.