The most effective way of countering this is to ask for clarification of vague and inconsistent instructions.

Sometimes the mind gets stuck on small problems and they result in a bad performance. It is not the obstacles that are important, it is how you treat these that makes all the difference. As soon as you take your mind off the ‘negative’, it won’t bother you again.

Sometimes even after working hard for weeks, you can’t set a pace during the exams.

This is due to the pressure of the occasion. This pressure is so powerful that it can make your thinking ‘foggy’ and throw all ‘rational thought’ out of the window. If you prefer to follow an exact gameplan, then visualise this and get the mental programme working ‘automatically’ in your mind and body before your exam.

• Add a physical workout to your schedule at least every other day.

• Set both long-term (this semester or this year) and short-term (this day or this week) goals. Write them down.

• Manage your time.

• Each day, find 20 minutes of ‘alone time’ to relax. Take a walk, write a diary or meditate.

• Don’t sweat over the small stuff. Always ask yourself if the issue at hand is worth getting upset about.

• Humour and positive thinking are important tools in stress management.

• Most importantly, communicate! Talking to a person whom you trust about issues of concern is helpful.

• End unhealthy relationships.

• Reduce the noise level around you.

• Let go of "obligations" that you have outgrown or no longer choose to fulfil.

• Avoid any use of alcohol or drugs.

• Prevent "last-minute anxiety". Plan ahead

• Stop smoking.

• Eliminate or reduce caffeine consumption. Drink juice, water, or herbal tea instead.

Strive for perspective. Ask yourself. "How important will this seem in a week, month, a year, 20 years?" Remember, it is not events themselves that are stressful but your perception of the events and what you do about them. Find the hidden opportunities that lie within problems.

Use positive self-talk instead of putting yourself down. Be kind and forgiving with yourself. Be flexible.