Ten tips for overcoming test-taking anxiety.
Unfortunately, test-taking anxiety is a common hurdle that many students face. Fortunately, there are a few simple practices that go a long way toward calming your nerves on the day of the test.
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Start studying early: As obvious as it may sound, you should not leave your studying until the last minute, as this can increase your stress and anxiety levels. Give yourself as much time as possible to review the material and prepare for the test. You’ll thank yourself later!
Develop a study plan: It’s crucial to have a game plan. Break down the material into manageable chunks so you can study in a focused and organized way. This can help reduce anxiety by helping you feel more in control of the material and your progress. This can be as simple as assigning yourself one chapter per week in a textbook.
Take care of yourself: Make sure to get enough sleep (i.e. eight hours per night), eat well, and exercise regularly in the months leading up to the test. Taking care of your physical health can do wonders to improve your mental and emotional well-being, which can in turn help reduce test-taking anxiety.
Practice relaxation techniques: Try practicing deep breathing, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body before the test. This can help you feel more focused and relaxed during the test.
Stay positive: Engage in positive self-talk to reassure yourself and boost your confidence. For example, you can remind yourself that you have studied hard and are well-prepared for the test, or that you have successfully taken other tests in the past. When you sit down to take a test, it’s important to reminder yourself that you’ve probably prepared more than anyone else in the room!
Set realistic goals: Set realistic goals for yourself and focus on achieving those goals rather than worrying about getting a perfect score. Everyone starts somewhere and progress is often incremental as you get into the upper percentiles of any test.
Take practice tests: Take regular practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions on the actual test. This can help you feel more prepared and confident on test day.
Visualize success: Visualize yourself successfully completing the test and achieving your goals.
Avoid caffeine and other stimulants: Avoid consuming caffeine and other stimulants before the test, as they can increase anxiety and make it harder to concentrate.
Seek support: Talk to friends, family members, or a counselor about your test-taking anxiety. They can provide support and advice to help you manage your anxiety and perform your best on the test.
