OVERCOME TEST ANXIETY

OVERCOME TEST ANXIETY

Test anxiety is an intense feeling of worry, fear, or panic before, during, or after a test or evaluation. Even while most people experience exam anxiety, research shows that some people are more likely than others to suffer from it. Your pulse may quicken a little or you may start to perspire. Perhaps you feel overburdened by all the information you must retain. As the test day approaches, you could even start to feel a bit sick. It’s normal to feel a bit anxious, and it may even help you concentrate on your test preparation. However, when the worry of failure consumes your mind, it could be difficult for you to focus completely throughout an exam.

You can slow down your beating heart or racing mind by focusing on deep breathing and positive thoughts. Make sure you are comfortable with the work by systematically studying and revising the information that will be on the test. If you are well prepared, you’ll feel more at ease. Giving yourself enough time to study and having a good night’s sleep the night before the exam can also help reduce anxiety and get you ready to give the exam your all. Professional assistance of a qualified therapist may be helpful if you frequently have test anxiety to the point that you struggle to finish exams even when you are familiar with the material.

Dr Ora Marx