Mental Prep

Keeping Calm

Use these strategies if you feel "brain freeze" or anxiety starting to take over. 

• The 4-7-8 Breath: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. This "hacks" your nervous system to stay calm.

• The "Gut Check": If you get an answer that feels weird (like a person being 50 meters tall), take a breath. It’s just a sign to go back and check your decimal point.

• Growth Mindset Self-Talk: Instead of "I can't do this," say "I haven't figured this one out yet."

• The Scribble Method: If your brain goes blank on a Writing test, just start scribbling a few words or a quick mind map. Usually, once the pencil starts moving, the ideas follow.

• Visualize the Success: Spend 10 seconds picturing yourself handing in the test and feeling proud. It helps lower the "stakes" in your mind.