Guide To Overcome Test Anxiety

Exam-it’s one time of the year when all students suffer from some level of anxiety. It is all the more true for school going children in some of the top schools, where competition is high. This is where students tend to show signs of mental anxiety, which often takes the form of physical anxiety as well. These anxiety levels can range from mild nervous feeling to a full blown panic attack. Surprisingly, test anxiety is something that the students can cope with by themselves without much external aid. BDMI, as one of the top CBSE schools in Kolkata has decided to guide our students with some of the self-help methods in handling exam anxiety. Here’s a few tips on how to handle this-

1) The best way to do this is the age old method of effective studying. This will increase your confidence level & in turn will end up with better results in the end. So attend classes regularly, take notes, do homework on regular basis- in other words, be an active student- get involved in your studies proactively. Believe me, this will already put you way ahead of others, who are not doing this. Preparing for exams won’t be a whole new thing.

2) Please don’t start studying on the night before exam. Start early on when the schedule for test comes up- it will reduce crunching, as well as, anxiety. Starting beforehand won’t make you feel overwhelmed- a primary reason for anxiety.

3) Organised approach to anything is always a smart way to go about it, so make a schedule for your study time. Of course, you can always adjust the schedule after studying for a few days according to your convenience. After that just stick to it, so that on the exam day you will know that you have prepared as well as it is possible for you. This will definitely be a factor in reducing your anxiety.

4) Going through same information have been known to be more effective. So after class just take a little bit of your time to go through the notes that you took on that day. 

5) Of course, keep these notes & schoolwork organised whether on notebook or on your computer, so that you have everything before your eyes, when you start your exam preparation. Believe it- losing time looking for your stuff before the exam will only result in increase in anxiety.

6) Although it is imperative that you should study as much as you need to, there is also a possibility that sometimes students tend to overdo it- especially during exam times. Remember, taking breaks once in a while is good for your memory to adjust the information it absorbed. For example, after a couple of hours of studying try watching TV for 10 minutes or exercising or going for a walk or even taking a small nap. The point is to do something that will refresh your brain when you come back to study.

7) Like everything else in the world it’s all about perspective. To put it simply control your thought process or manipulate your mindset. Negative thinking sets of a chain of negative thoughts, which tends to result in panic attack. Keep up the positive thoughts. I know it’s often difficult to do, but not impossible. Think like this- you did well in this subject before, so it is highly likely that you will do well always or if you don’t do well, it’s not the end of the world as we know it. Isolate the negative thought & put it in perspective as well- they won’t seem like serious problems any more. This method will not only help you to focus on your study, but is also an effective method to combat procrastination. 

8) Of course, it is now medically accepted fact that what effects the mind also end up effecting the body. The result is numerous- light headedness, headaches, dry mouth, sweating, rapid heartbeat, gastrointestinal disorder, fever, etc. The key is to avoid stress & eat proper meals regularly at regular intervals. Eat nutritious food, avoid sugary stuff & please get plenty of sleep.

9) Even meditation & stretches can be an effective way to combat stress levels.

10) As for the external environment, avoid friends, who suffer from test anxiety & vocalise their fears.

11) Next we come to the D-day or as we call the exam day. And the number one point is to show up early after a good night’s sleep. Once you get there just sit down relax, gather all you thoughts & focus on positive thinking. It is imperative that you don’t have the panic attack in the exam hall. 

12) Read all the instructions & question carefully. A bit of nervous energy is expected in a test. But in case you feel anxiety coming up, use the age old method of closing your eyes & taking some deep, full breaths. This will help you to avoid being panicky & you won’t blank out either. 

13) Stay focused on the question paper, don’t let your mind wander. In case you get stuck, don’t hesitate to skip a question. Getting stuck on a difficult question is a classic way to fall into the anxiety trap & mess up the whole exam.

Even though these self-help methods are effective, some people have extremely high level of anxiety- to the point where it interferes in their daily life. If you are one of them don’t hesitate to ask for help. The sooner it is taken care of the better for you. Do it before it starts having adverse effect on your life & your relationships with you near & dear ones.