Experiencing test anxiety is natural. In fact, most people – even those who have prepared extensively – experience some level of anxiety before and during tests. While a certain level of test anxiety is beneficial (as it motivates students to adequately prepare), too much can be detrimental if it prevents them from studying, preparing properly, or concentrating during a test.
These following strategies can help you control extreme test taking anxiety:
Develop good study habits
One of the most effective ways to handle test taking anxiety is through proper preparation. Besides preparing you for the questions on a test, studying will also build your confidence. And as your confidence increases, your test anxiety will decrease.
Be prepared
If you’re completely prepared for a test to the point of being familiar with any question that could be asked, anxiety will dramatically decrease. There is little reason to experience anxiety for a test you’ve prepared for. If you’re studying a subject or concept that is difficult for you to understand, start early in the semester working with your professor, teacher’s aid or a tutor to get the help you need.
Don’t cram!
Cramming for an exam the night before is a major cause of test anxiety. Students who take their time to regularly study for an exam throughout the term will experience less anxiety than those who decide to study a day or even hours prior to one. If you’re studying a difficult subject (ie. chemistry, biology, math, etc.) it’s imperative that you start studying early on in the semester, as you’re likely to come across concepts, topics, and subjects that require outside help. Cramming can leave you not only pressed for time, but unable to get the help you need in time.
Get adequate exercise
Exercise relieves stress and increases mental function. It can also increase energy. If you take time to take care of your body, you’ll experience far less anxiety all around.
Get plenty of sleep
Not only is receiving adequate sleep necessary for good health, it’s also an effective way to decrease anxiety. This is why it’s recommended to get plenty of sleep the night prior to a test.
We recommend that you get plenty of sleep the entire week before a test. If you do not get enough sleep prior to a test, you will be fatigued, less able to concentrate, unable to remember everything, and more anxious.
Get plenty to eat
Never take a test on a hungry stomach. Not only do you need the nutrients necessary for proper brain function and physical energy, taking a test on an empty, grumbling, stomach will make it more difficult for you to concentrate on the test.
Some students neglect to eat prior to a test because they don’t want to take time away from last minute studying. You don’t have to eat a four course meal before every test, but at least grab an apple or some other healthy snack.
Stay positive
Do not allow yourself to get overly pessimistic. Remain positive and concentrate on doing well on the test. If you dwell on negative thoughts, it will increase your anxiety and make it more difficult to perform. If you think you’re going to perform poorly on a test, chances are you will. If you’re confident in your ability, you’re much likely to be less anxious and perform better.
Stay relaxed
Take a few minutes to relax before taking a test. If you’re struggling to relax, take deep breaths. Take a moment and clear your head. Focus on something completely unrelated to the test, or even school. Think about something fun you’re planning later during the week, or maybe a fun trip you’ll be taking. Once you’re calm, go in and ace the test.
Focus on the learning experience
Do not be too hard on yourself if you do not perform up to your expectations on a test. Instead, learn from the experience, so you can make the necessary changes for the future. Nothing is accomplished by getting all stressed out over something that has already passed.
Ask for help
If all else fails, ask for help. Severe test anxiety can be debilitating for students. If your mind goes completely blank every time you sit down to take a test, or you feel like you’re going to pass out or throw up, you probably need to speak with your teacher, or a guidance counselor. Don’t be scared or ashamed to seek assistance.
Test anxiety can be a real psychological condition that can cause otherwise smart, hardworking students to perform poorly academically. Don’t let that be you.