How to Beat Test Anxiety

There are many people who have test anxiety. Test anxiety can be defined as feeling worried or afraid of taking tests. It often arises from stress and failure of past experiences, which can lead to a lack of self-confidence. A consequence of test anxiety is an inability to focus on the test. The anxiety can be so intense that even if the person studied they can end up doing poorly on the test. An additional consequence is sweaty palms, headache and muscle tension. There are things a person can do to feel confident and beat the test anxiety. Here are some suggestions:

1. Have a set time everyday to study. When you have a set time you will get into a habit, which will help you to avoid procrastination. It also makes easy not to make any official plans during your time of study.

2. Study somewhere quiet, well lit and comfortable. What is considered a good study place for each person could be different. However there are three things that do need to exist. The place needs to be quiet so that your focus is on your studies and not on some other distraction. You should have the place well lit so you could see what you are reading and writing. The place should be comfortable for you. Otherwise your focus can be redirecting towards your discomfort versus your studies. In addition you are more likely to become tired from studying if you are not comfortable.

3. Read, review and practice your materials and class information. By going through this study process will help give you the confidence which can help reduce any anxiety that you may have. The unknown is anxiety provoking so you want to avoid the unknown.

4. Find a studying strategy that works for you and use it. For example, flash cards, highlighting key sentences or making charts for say historical events. For each person the study strategy can be different. You may find that several different methods work with you, which is great. You can use variety methods for a fun learning approach.

5. Don't hesitate to ask for help. If you don't know something ask for help. The question in mind can be the exact same thing that comes up on an exam. Your instructor is paid to help you so you should help them do their job by asking any questions you may have.

6. Eat and sleep well before the exam. A refreshed and satisfied mind is a good working one. It becomes difficult to think and answer questions if you are tired and hungry which can lead to anxiety.

7. Think positive thoughts. Positive thoughts can give you the confidence, which will work against any anxiety from forming. For example, tell yourself, "I will pass the exam. The exam is going to be easy."

8. Relax by taking slow deep breaths and thinking nice thoughts. When we feel anxious we tend to breath in fast short breaths. To reduce the anxiety takes long, slow deep breaths. To further help your body to relax thinking of some place relaxing. For example, I like to think about being on the beach. Smelling the cool refreshing air, hearing the waves hit the shore and feeling the warm sun against my face.

9. During the test take you're time, think as you read and read each choice carefully. Rushing can lead to mistakes and can even cause you to feel anxious. Take your time and read each word you will find yourself to be better and making test decisions and a feeling of calmness throughout the exam.

10. If there is enough time review your answers but don't dwell on it. Usually the first answer or responds we first come up with is the right one. By dwelling too much on an answer we cause ourselves anxiety and a doubt of our pervious decisions. If you're not sure stick with your first response that is most likely the right one.

With good preparation and the right attitude you can beat the test anxiety!!