The 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations are officially underway, and now is not the time to be anxious.
The NSC examinations are considered to be one of the most important chapters in the twelve-year journey of scholars. The results produced during this period often have a big impact on your future and the job opportunities that will be coming your way.
Because of the magnitude and importance of excelling in these exams, many people find themselves overwhelmed with emotion because of the pressure they put on themselves to perform well.
According to the University of Witswatersrand, anxiety also comes from past experiences and multiple other factors.
These include:
- a previous negative test experience
- The thought of failure, ridicule and scolding etc.
- Self doubt – statements like “I never do well in tests or I’ve never done Maths” etc.
- Pressure: I need to get into my major or admission to medicine
Despite how intimidating it might feel, there are several ways through which these effects can be reduced or eliminated. A lot of these have to do with making strategic adjustments to both your lifestyle as well as the preparation process ahead of the big day.
Health and wellness publication Psychiatry explains that incorporating good habits such as physical activity, a good nutrition, mindful practices and social connections into your daily routine comes with good benefits to reducing anxiety.
“Physical activity impacts mental health. There is also evidence that exercise benefits individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” explains the above-mentioned publication.
Meanwhile, this idea is supported by the United Healthcare, who adds that in order to limit anxiety before a big exam, its is important to practice the following:
- Prioritise sleep
- Stay active
- Focus on nutrition
- Meditate
Also see: Struggling with Exams? Low Iron Levels Could Be Holding You Back
