~Elbie Thomas
SOLs are coming up, and sometimes us students get nervous. Here are some calming strategies to try this May -
Prepare and practice ahead of time
You can build your confidence by studying for the test ahead of time. It can also remind you of facts you may have forgotten.
Get a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast
Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep the night before the test. Being well rested can help you relax and focus better. A breakfast that is filling will prevent you from being hungry and distracted during the test as well.
Breathe
Breathing can help you relax before and during testing. Here is a breathing method you can use: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. You can do this for however long you need to get relaxed.
Positive self-talk
Don’t tell yourself “I’m going to fail." Believe in yourself ! Remind yourself that you've got this.
Don’t rush !
Don’t try to rush the test. Take as much time as you need to get the right answers. If you get stuck on a tough question, breathe and take a short break from it. You can come back once you're ready.