Sometimes the fear of taking a test is worse than the actual test - this is totally normal. Feeling any number of emotions is only natural when facing an assessment that might make a big difference in your educational experience. Here are some basic tips to combat test anxiety:

1 . Study consistently and establish a routine for when, where, and how you will approach preparation.

2 . Talk to your teacher. Let them know you're feeling anxious and ask what steps they feel will improve your chances of performing well.

3 . Eat and drink consistently. Research tells us that our minds are more likely to process information if we are hydrated.

4 . Take deep breaths and focus on something positive. What's motivating you? What brings you joy? Focusing on these can help you clear your mind.

5 . Remember that this will pass. Every person you know has taken a test that was a challenge, and you can overcome it just like them!

Another part of managing stress is managing time - how can you make sure all the tasks you need to accomplish are completed in enough time? When thinking about school this can be especially challenging, but here are some great tips:

1 . Keep an updated calendar. Most teachers post dates on their board, so write them down and review what's coming up daily.

2 . Focus on what needs to be completed first. If you have an assignment due next week and one due tomorrow, focus on the one due tomorrow. This will help make sure you do not fall behind.

3 . Set reminders on your phone. It's really easy to forget important requirements, but writing a note in your phone can help keep up with these essentials.

4 . Ask yourself "can I really afford to take on additional responsibilities?" Sometimes the easiest way to manage our time is to make sure our plate is not filled too high. There's nothing wrong with focusing on yourself or your academics if it means you can more fully invest in growth.