Caffeine can affect students' anxiety levels as well, and even cause more stress. This anxiety then takes away energy which can be used for studying. Anxiety is a psychological arousal which results from an unrealistic fear. The combination of these two results in escape or avoidance of work. Thus, students procrastinate.
Exercise is also a good outlet for releasing pent-up stress and aggravation.
There are a number of psychological methods suggested for overcoming anxiety and most are a matter of changing students' perspective on the matter. Readjusting your environment and focusing on the positive aspects of the situations are two key points, suggested by the Health Advocates. These can also be applied to taking exams as well. Anxiety attacks before or during the actual test is often a cause of less than optimal performance. Dovan said the few minutes before an exam are an ideal time to relax and calm down.