Overcoming Test Anxiety

We go to class every day, do every bit of our homework, study for hours and think we have a strong grip on our material, until the day of the test comes. As soon as you get in the room you suddenly begin to blank out, freeze up, zone out or feel so nervous that you can’t get yourself together to respond to those questions that you knew the answer to when you were studying. If any of you have ever experienced these symptoms you may have a case of test anxiety. This is not a feeling that is impossible to overcome, it is going to take some practice, but eventually when a teacher mentions a test you won’t get that sick feeling anymore. You should begin by preparing yourself very thoroughly. You should organize the information that you know will be on the test. Begin studying with the information that needs the most work, and save the stuff you know for last. Use a checklist so you can make sure that you have studied everything well. When you think about the exam you should approach it with confidence. You can personalize this strategy and use whatever you would like such as vizualizatioin, logic, talking to yourself or just practice. This will be your chance to show yourself how much you have studied and reward yourself for it. When you know that you have the material down well, put it up and relax. You don’t want to feel like you have to cram for the test. You will want to make sure you go to bed early enough to give you plenty of time to sleep the night before the exam. On the day of the test leave yourself plenty of time to do the things you want to before and still get to class a little early. Make sure to eat a health meal before getting to class. According to a German study in Psychopharmacology vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure. So fresh fruit such as an orange can help get rid of some of your stress. Taking a small snack not high in sugar content can help take your mind off of the anxiety. When arriving at the rooms first find