High school graduation - unnecessary stress or developmental challenge?

Everyone has experienced the phenomenon of stress at least once in his life. Everyone is intuitively able to define it and determine what it manifests itself with - what physiological and mental reactions. Stress is an indispensable part of human life, and probably most people will admit that high school graduation was one of the experiences in which tension and irritation were extremely high. Unfortunately, there are no method-miracles that will suddenly make matriculation exams an extraordinary pleasure, but there are ways to turn the so-called hostile stress, or distress, into mobilizing stress - eustress.

Stress can have two faces. It can be an obstacle, something that paralyzes, discourages and makes it difficult to mobilize to take action, or the opposite. Eustress, is treating stressful situations as a challenge. In turn, the strength of stress depends on how a person assesses his or her ability to cope. So the first step should be to redefine a stressful situation as an opportunity for development. The next is to make this development as effective as possible, and thus carry a positive solution to the stressful situation. How, then, to put these tips into practice, so that the baccalaureate does not spend sleepless nights?

1. Focus on the tasks leading to the goal, not the goal itself. Organize the stages of study and preparation for matriculation. Plan when, where and what specifically to study.

2. Generate time for yourself to relax. Let it be a walk with the dog, a meeting with friends or just a short nap. Moments of respite are very important. A regenerated mind and body are sure to assimilate knowledge faster.

3. Use various principles of mnemonics. A particularly interesting method is Buzan's so-called mind maps. They are based on engaging both hemispheres of the brain while learning. Through drawings, colors and diagrams it is much easier to remember new concepts.

4. The most stressful is the oral Polish high school diploma? Train with your family and friends, let them become your "examiners."

5. Take care of your sleep! This may seem like a truism, but it really is a very important "supporting" element.

6. It's easier and faster to remember when you spread out your study material over several days. You will remember more by studying for 3 hours over two days than if you sit down for 6 hours on one day. This is because neurons need to have time to consolidate, i.e. assimilate new information.

7. It is worthwhile, in order to feel less tension, to prepare a plan for the worst-case scenario. What will I do if I don't pass my high school diploma? There are thousands of options available - you can take revisions, you can choose another field of study, you can try to study for a year and improve your score. You can work for a year and save money or go away to learn a language. A low score is not the end of the world.

8. Also realize that your nerves and stress are your body's mobilizing response. Cortisol stimulates the nervous system to face a challenge. When you feel a tightness in your stomach, your palms start to sweat or your heart starts to work faster just before you enter the exam room, think that these are "friendly" reactions of your nervous system. Don't treat it as something bad. It's a normal reaction. But when your nerves start to get the best of you, take a deep breath and think that you've been studying for many, many years and even if a question surprises you, it's highly likely that you've heard anything about it before. And if you haven't, remember point No. 7 - the world won't end if you answer wrongly or not at all. Don't panic. It's the worst possible advisor.

Above all, however, preparation for matriculation should be treated as self-development, not as a necessary evil. After all, it is easier to study with the idea that you are doing it for yourself, and not because you are forced by the school system. This is the last "test" to be written in high school, you've already had thousands of papers, classes and debriefings. This time will be similar, maybe only "slightly" more official. Good luck!

Author: Martyna Wrona-Marchel