Though I have never given mains butI totally understand you.
But with me the problem is in prelims too. In 2020 pre (in exam hall) , I said to myself "Idiot, you did not even study this? You did not even know this question? huh? Look at others, how difficult it must have been for them to study- some affected by covid, some in jobs and some managing household work, etc"
Later, I realized I made silly mistake like-Solving question 41 but marking Q40 OMR instead of 41, the more nervous I got , the more silly mistakes I did( by the way, I did make these mistakes in mocks before and minimised it but in pre again did) and more I forgot what I studied. And while marking 50:50 question--my brains works like "if I mark option b "what is 'a' option is correct and not 'b'" and vice versa"
I know I lacked preparation in 1st attempt but in second attempt, I was more disappointed (with myself).
I too think anxiety and exam fear overpowers my brain.
But doing hobbies tends to reduce a little anxiety.
@Brave For me it is Radiohead. That should not come as a surprise if you have listened to “Creep”. 😅
Wait, I just remembered thissong. I did not know it was a cover though.
By the way, I did pick up the book.(Studying endlessly and then sitting in exam with low self esteem/confidence will do me no good). I was so surprised to find that it also talks about loving yourself.(Similar to thissong).