How to calm down?

[Idont_]

I’m a student having finals now and I had an exam yesterday which I think did not go well. But I have other exams coming up and I can’t focus on them. Considering the structure of our uni, I will have to sacrifice my break to study if things don’t go well. But considering how this year has been (in terms of exams), I really really need the break. Stressing about school has once put my mental health in a bad place and I’m still kinda working on fixing that. This will just make things worse and I don’t what I can do, especially considering that these exams will actually affect my future. I’m also worried about the people around who have so many expectations on me. But it’s the not having a break that’s bothering me. Results come out in less than a week btw.

I know I should be focusing on the future ryt now. But I just can’t. Anyone who has been through this?

[Alpakka123]

While I can't say I've had this experience, I can tell you what sticks out to me in your post. That is the sentence about worrying about the expectations others have for you. Hard I know, but try if you can to get to the point of not caring about others' expectations of you . When it comes down to it, the expectations you have for yourself is what's important.

[Alpakka123]

While I can't say I've had this experience, I can tell you what sticks out to me in your post. That is the sentence about worrying about the expectations others have for you. Hard I know, but try if you can to get to the point of not caring about others' expectations of you . When it comes down to it, the expectations you have for yourself is what's important.

[Idont_ in reply to Alpakka123]

Oh no. I am doing this for myself but ppl have expectations in terms of how well I will perform. For the most part I don’t care about it. But these people have done so much for me, do I not owe them back?

I can’t focus on studying on my next exam. I feel dumb and stupid. I feel like it’s too much but I do want to do it. Half of my day today was gone freaking out and crying. I don’t know

[Agora1]

Hi my friend. I've been going over your posts since you first came on. I see that you are

a first year medical student. One of the most difficult professions to learn. I've always

had more trouble studying and taking exams then I did doing hands on training. That came

naturally. I've been in the medical field all my life. When I decided that I wanted to get my

Paramedic certification, it was my choice. I wasn't doing it for anyone's expectation. That

in itself helps take the burden off your shoulders. As a matter of fact, I was going against

my mom who wanted me in the corporate world. We all have our own calling in life.

It sounds like your stress is in high gear because of the pressure you are feeling with

exams. Maybe a little more than usual. Is your heart really into pursuing this direction

in life?

Whatever we choose in life, we must still take the time to take care of ourselves.

Without our emotional and physical well being, we go nowhere.

I would suggest to allow yourself some "me time" each day. That doesn't mean go

partying with your friends but quite the opposite. A time where you can regenerate

from the day's studying. It takes but a few minutes to find that deep emotional and

physical quietness that you need. I use Meditation and Breathing. I can take myself

from a high stress situation to a near zero moment in time. (called the present moment)

10-15 minutes w/o sleeping just breathing can open your mind to a more positive frame

of thought. It's not a magic wand, it's not an overnight success. It is an ongoing process

of retraining your subconscious mind. When you do this daily, you will tend to remember

better, perform better in class and Ace your exams.

Breathe my friend. Allow the answers to not be blocked by your stress. Continue

reaching out to us as others are in the same position as you. The one thing I will leave

you with is, do this for you and no one else. If this is your future and your destiny, it

will all come to pass as it should. Good Luck xx

[Idont_ in reply to Agora1]

Oh no. I am doing this for myself but ppl have expectations in terms of how well I will perform. For the most part I don’t care about it. But these people have done so much for me, do I not owe them back?

I can’t focus on studying on my next exam. I feel dumb and stupid. I feel like it’s too much but I do want to do it. Half of my day today was gone freaking out and crying. I don’t know

[Agora1 in reply to Idont_]

I'm sorry that this freaks you out to the max but that's normal my friend.

You have taken on a difficult journey but the rewards in the end will be so worth

while. No one can ever take away that learning experience from you. Know that

you are not dumb or stupid. Get those negative thoughts out of your mind. Every

medical student goes through these doubts except maybe for the rare few.

Tell yourself "this is what I want out of life and no one or nothing is going to stop me"

Believe in yourself as I believe in you. You will take command of the next exam.

Good Luck and please keep us updated. We don't judge. xx

[Alpakka123 in reply to Agora1]

Love your answer, namely the part about setting aside me time! I'm normally everywhere but the present moment, so it's a good reminder to breathe and meditate. (Is meditation the same as mindfulness?)