Don’t worry, start writing

You know that imminent work thing that’s filling you with dread? Well researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a way that might help you tackle it without the nerves – by writing down your fears just before you do it.

In a recent study they found that students who wrote about their thoughts ten minutes before an exam got better grades than those who didn’t.

The report backs up Sian Beilock’s theory that when we get nervous, we get information logjams in the brain. We choke. And that getting your thoughts down on paper is a good way of drawing a line under them – de-cluttering your mind.

It’s a really interesting bit of research, especially for anyone who’s ever had a bout of nerves before a pitch, presentation or job interview.