Test Anxiety

Tests are stressful no matter who you are or what you are studying.  Test anxiety is a very real feeling that exists for students.  Below are some simple steps to helping yourself overcome test anxiety. 

Tips

• Get Enough Sleep: Easier said than done?  Remember, if you don't sleep enough, your brain doesn't work as well.  You will be fuzzier, less able to maintain information and more easily distracted.  For tips on sleeping well, check below.

• Relax: Deep breathing, yoga, exercise, drawing, dancing, whatever helps you relax, do it.  The more you stress and tense up, the less able you are to focus and achieve what you want.

• Move, move, move: Exercise can be your best friend during exam time.  Why?  30 minutes of exercise a day can help reduce anxiety and depression.  It also gives you a much needed study break.  Afterword you will notice you are more able to concentrate and you will feel more energized and less stressed.  So don't forget to move!

• Stop Being So Serious: Laughter and finding ways to blow off steam during this time is vital.  When we laugh, we relax, so don't forget to connect with friends and do something silly or watch a favorite sitcom to get a good laughing break. 

• Monitor Caffeine:  Yes we all know that we need to try to stay up and focused as much as possible because the more hyped up on caffeine we are the better we do right?  WRONG.  Caffeine can get in the way and help bring on test anxiety by amping your body up in a way you don't want.  You don't have to totally give it up, but try not to drink too much.

• Rest Your Eyes: This doesn't mean you have to close them but every fifteen minutes or so, look some where else besides at the small black print of your book or the computer screen.  When our eyes get strained we can get headaches and things can start to look pretty fuzzy.  

• Eat Well and Balanced:  Food is a great way to keep your energy and focus.  Unfortunately with longer and more intense studying, we tend to eat foods that don't really help our focus.  Try to avoid too many starches and sugars.  These can work to sedate you.  Eat fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.  If you need a snack, try some trail mix instead of pizza. 

• Connect With Nature:  Take a walk outside, give your mind and body a break.  Enjoy the sounds and smells and views of nature.  When we study we often are stuck inside with bad lighting and tend to stay focused on that small space in front of our eyes.  Go outside, breathe fresh air, and reconnect to bigger things than your tests.

• Morning Exam? Eat Breakfast:  Remember you need fuel to keep you going.  Eating breakfast before a morning exam will keep you going and you won't get distracted by your growling stomach.  No matter when your exam is, make sure you are eating.