Tip 2 | 5 Tips to Beat Test Anxiety

Tip 2 | 5 Tips to Beat Test Anxiety

Millions of students around the world suffer from test anxiety. It’s very commonplace, so don’t think you’re the only one struggling. There are 5 things that you can do to reduce your anxiety though!

Whether experiencing the physical, emotional, or psychological symptoms of test anxiety, there are ways to help you beat it so you can perform your best. Today, I’m going to touch on 5 of those tips. First things first: these tips will not be the perfect antidote towards stress. We experience stressful things throughout our lives and these things won’t change that. However, they can help us deal with them in a healthier way, allowing us to do better on our exams.

Studies show that students that have high amounts of test anxiety do 15% worse on tests than those who do not. So let’s jump right into those helpful tips.

Tip 1: Study and be prepared. I know it may feel obvious, but staying on top of class and assignments can help you keep stress levels low.

Tip 2: Be healthy. Eat a balanced diet filled with vitamins, minerals and proteins. Keep sugars low.

Tip 3: Know your weaknesses in your studies and in life. Identify where you feel unsure and struggle, then spend more time in those areas of subject matter, otherwise your insecurity on that topic may seep into other parts of your life.

Tip 4: Fight depression and negativity. When you start to feel overwhelmed with negativity to the point of where it begins affecting other areas of your life, consider seeking out a counselor. Most schools and universities employ someone full time who can help support and assist you.

Tip 5: Stay relaxed. Relaxation techniques can help you remain calm and focused on test day. Brown Medical School suggests that a routine like the following might help you.

  • Step 1: Preparing yourself. Sit in a comfortable chair with a headrest or a pillow behind your head so that your neck is straight. Let the chair support you and become comfortable. You may cross your legs at the ankles but not at the knees. Take glasses off or contacts out, loosen your clothing, and don’t chew gum. Dim any strong sources of light.
  • Step 2: Internalize attention. Take several deep, cleansing breaths to allow your entire body to become completely limp and relaxed. Allow your eyes to close and begin to focus your attention within your own body rather than responding outwardly.
  • Step 3: Turn your attention internally to your breathing. Establish a slow, steady rhythm for breathing and maintain it.
  • Step 4: Muscle relaxation. Sense throughout your body for any areas of tension, pressure, or discomfort. Focus your attention internally on each one of these areas in turn. Feel and experience these areas to be more relaxed and visualize them as totally tension-free. You may even want to contract the muscles in these areas. Hold them, count to ten, and then release them.
  • Step 5: Imagery Involvement. Visualize yourself in a relaxed environment using your own relaxation imagery. Obviously, this list isn’t comprehensive. Hopefully it provides you with some solutions for you test anxiety. For more info on test anxiety, subscribe to our channel or check out our website. Thanks for watching!

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by Mometrix Test Preparation | This Page Last Updated: June 27, 2023