A test-taking environment is a reoccurring nightmare for some people. The fear of failure in exams is a common one and so are exam jitters. In fact, it shows a healthy response mechanism of your mind and can help you concentrate and sharpen your mind. However, things take a nasty turn when this fear begins to debilitate your daily activities. Feelings of severe stress and worry
Often students ponder “how to make someone do my classes for me” and their anxiety increases when they don’t find any such escape portal. Sadly, in many cases, we have seen terrible news of student suicides and the graph line has been increasing steadily. Therefore, we reckon you address your test anxieties as soon as possible and we believe this article can significantly help you with that.
We have discussed thoroughly what test anxiety is and have listed some ways through which you can overcome it.
What is Test Anxiety?
Whether you’re a student in elementary or secondary school, a college student, or an employee who is required to take tests for advancement or certification. You can feel “butterflies in your stomach right before the exam. That much is okay.
However, when you have test anxiety you worry and self-doubt, during exam season. Such so, to the point that you are unable to do anything and/or follow your daily routine. The anxiety is so severe and can interfere with your test-taking performance and make you miserable if you are unable to give up to par.
Not only that, you suffer palpitations, shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, have tense muscles. Or feelings of dread. It can also occur through racing thoughts, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, panic attacks, blanking out, and a strong desire to escape, etc. All these symptoms come under the hood of test anxiety. However, they may vary from person to person.
Founded and Unfounded Exam Fears
Let us categorize your fears into two groups:
Founded Exam Fears
These are realistic and rational fears. For example, you know you are not prepared for a test if you have not studied. You will have to put in more effort to pass if you failed once. Changing your behavior or thinking can help you overcome these realistic fears. You somehow get your way through the maze.
Unfounded Exam Fears
Thoughts like, “I am useless”, “I never get things right!” “I will never get a decent job” and the like are unfounded exam fears. These are often irrational fears. Basically, they are empty tales we make up in our heads. This tends to make our real-life fears seem even more real and impossible to overcome.
Ways you can overcome your Test Anxiety?
These are some of the coping strategies, psychologists and therapists recommend. You can work accordingly on your routine by following these tips.
Eat & Sleep Well
Remember to eat and drink plenty of water. To work properly, your brain requires fuel. Eat and drink plenty of water on the day of the test. Avoid sugary drinks like soda pop, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and then plummet, as well as caffeinated drinks like energy drinks or coffee, which can make you feel anxious.
Academic performance is inextricably linked to sleep. Teenagers and preteens, in particular, require a sufficient amount of sleep on a regular basis. Adults, on the other hand, require a good night’s sleep to perform at their best. We suggest you get a good night’s sleep before your exam day and eat a healthy breakfast before you take your exam.
Make Study Routine
Find out how to study effectively by planning a study routine. Study-skills classes or other resources offered by your school may be able to assist you in learning study techniques and test-taking strategies. If you study and practice the material that will be on the test in a systematic manner, you will feel more at ease.
Early in the morning and in similar locations are ideal for studying. It is far preferable to study in small increments over time rather than cramming everything in at once. Additionally, studying in the same or similar locations as to where you take your test can aid in recalling the information you need on test day.
Discuss With Your Professor
Make an appointment with your professor and discuss your situation with him/her. Make sure you know what each test will consist of and how to prepare for it. Also, inform your teacher if you experience anxiety when taking tests. He or she may be able to provide you with advice that will assist you in achieving your goals.
Try Relaxation Techniques
You can try and find out how to relax. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, relaxing your muscles one at a time. For starters, you can close your eyes and imagine a positive outcome in your test. You can even meditate or do yoga or some aerobic exercises. This can help you stay calm and confident right before and during the test.
Arrive on Time
You need to arrive on time on your exam day. As running in late on your exam day will only add up to the stress. Allow yourself some time to settle in, and organize yourself. Take a few deep breaths before the instructor begins passing out test papers and relax.
Make use of your test-taking abilities.
Always read the instructions carefully, budget your time, and work at a comfortable pace. However, make sure to keep an eye on the clock so that you don’t run out of time. You can start by answering the easier questions first. Then you can return to the skipped ones. Try to stay focused, and double-check your answers if time allows. Even if you made a mistake or two that is completely fine since nothing is more important than your health.
Get Therapeutic Counseling
If necessary, seek the help of a professional counselor. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy is great too. Talk things out with a psychologist or other mental health professional. They can help you work through anxiety-inducing feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Inquire about counseling services at your school or whether your employer provides counseling through an employee assistance program.
You can even make an appointment with your family doctor to see if a medication can help you feel better. Find a private therapist or join a support group. Talking to a professional counselor or other anxiety sufferers about your worries can help you overcome their grip on your life.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, if you are having test anxieties, the sooner you address them the better. We understand with the sheer competitive nature of the world and the idea of “the survival of the fittest” is utterly overwhelming. With academics becoming a burden and professors unwilling to corporate, students suffering from exam anxiety believe there is little to hope for. Things only worsen from here until they seek help.
That is why we reckon, while you cope up with your exam stress, it is better to let others share your academic burden with you. Instead of thinking “I will just ask somebody to do my classes online for me (because that is escapism). You can always seek professional help who can guide you on how to cope up with such situations. We believe this is better and will not lead towards escapism as well.
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