Handling Negative Thoughts and Exam Anxiety Like a Boss
We have to be real here — exam season isn’t just about writing essays and remembering obscure case law from 1860. For students, it’s also about managing that creeping voice in your head whispering things like, “What if I fail?” or “Why can’t I remember anything?”
Exam anxiety is real, and so are those late-night spirals where you start questioning every life choice that led to this point. But before you go into full meltdown mode—take a breath. You're not alone, and you’re definitely not doomed.
Here’s how to deal with all that internal chaos and come out the other side with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Step One: Recognise the Voice, But Don’t Give It a Mic
You know that voice in your head telling you that you’re not ready, you’re not smart enough, or that everyone else is doing better?
That voice is not reality. It’s anxiety wearing a very dramatic costume.
Acknowledge the thought, but don’t treat it like a prophecy. Try saying to yourself, “Okay, I’m feeling overwhelmed right now—but that doesn’t mean I’m not capable.” You wouldn’t believe a classmate who constantly insults you, so why believe your inner critic?
Step Two: Reality-Check Your Fears
When you’re panicking, everything feels like the end of the world. But take a second to zoom out.
Ask yourself:
- Has anyone ever actually died from a bad essay answer in Criminal Law?
- Even if I don’t do perfectly, is it the end of my career?
- Am I really behind, or am I just comparing myself to someone else’s Instagram story?
You’ll often find that your fears aren’t grounded in facts - they’re just fueled by stress. Once you bring in logic, the fear starts to shrink.
Step Three: Break It Down (Before It Breaks You)
Nothing increases anxiety like looking at the entire syllabus and thinking, “I have to learn ALL of this in two weeks?” Instead of trying to swallow the whale, cut it into sushi.
Break your revision into chunks. Focus on one topic at a time. Create mini-goals. Every time you finish one, celebrate it. Seriously, even ticking off “Read one case summary” deserves a victory dance.
It’s not about doing everything right now. It’s about making consistent progress, step by step.
Step Four: Treat Yourself Like You’d Treat a Friend
Imagine your friend comes to you, panicking about exams and convinced they’re going to fail. You wouldn’t say, “Yeah, you probably will.” You’d comfort them, remind them how smart they are, and offer snacks.
So why are you being mean to yourself?
Try flipping the script. Write down encouraging things you’d say to a friend in the same position—and then say them to yourself. Out loud. Into the mirror, if you have to. You are not your worst thoughts.
Step Five: Move Your Body, Not Just Your Highlighters
We get it - there’s so much to study, and so little time. But sitting in one place for 8 hours surrounded by open books and unopened snacks isn’t actually the most productive plan.
When anxiety spikes, take a walk. Stretch. Do five jumping jacks. Dance to your “Law Student Grind” playlist. Movement literally helps your brain reset - and clears out the mental clutter.
Step Six: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If the stress becomes too much, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Talk to your lecturers. Message a friend. Drop by the BAC teacher's office. Sometimes, just venting to someone who gets it is enough to lighten the load.
You’re human. You’re allowed to struggle. And asking for help doesn’t make you weak - it makes you smart.
The Truth: You’re Already Stronger Than You Think
Exam anxiety doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. It means you’re pushing yourself. And that, in itself, is proof that you’re already halfway there.
So take the pressure off. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to keep going. And every time you show up, open your books, or choose not to believe that mean voice in your head, you’re doing exactly that.
You’ve come this far. You're not just going to survive this, you’re going to rise from it stronger, smarter, and ready for anything.
You’ve got this. One breath, one page, one day at a time.
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