1. Easing Test Anxiety

2. What is it?
Many people experience stress or anxiety before an exam. In fact, a little nervousness can actually help you perform your best. When this distress becomes so excessive that it actually interferes with performance on an exam, it is known as test anxiety.

3. Symptoms of Test Anxiety
Can range from mild to severe.
Includes physical, behavioral, and emotional synptoms.

4. Physical Symptoms Sweating Shaking Rapid heart beat Dry mouth Fainting
Nausea

5. Behavioral Symptoms Fidgeting Avoidance Substance abuse Blanking out
Difficulty concentrating
Racing thoughts

6. Emotional Symptoms Depression Low self-esteem Anger
Feelings of hopelessness

7. How to Overcome Test Anxiety
General preparation/building confidence:
Develop good study habits & strategies
Manage Time/Pacing Yourself
Organize material to be studied and learned
Manage outside pressures
Review past performance on tests

8. How to Overcome Test Anxiety
Test Prep. to reduce stress!
Approach the test with confidence
Come prepared
Choose a comfortable location
Allow yourself plenty of time the morning of the test.
Avoid cramming
Avoid negativity
Exercise regularly
Get a good night’s sleep
Eat breakfast
Take a small snack for a break.

9. How to Overcome Test Anxiety
During the test:
Read the directions!
Pace yourself!
Change positions during test
If you go blank, skip the question and go back later
Don’t panic. There’s no reward for finishing first.

10. Relaxation Techniques
Take deep, slow breaths.
Remind yourself: You are in control.
Focus on the task at hand.
Expect SOME anxiety.
Use Isometric Relaxation Exercises
Elongate muscles
Contract muscles
Calf and Body Stretches