Test Taking Anxiety Does Not Have to Work Against You
First things first: anxiety is not your enemy. I know that may sound crazy but once you figure out how to focus that test taking anxiety your problems will be over.
You to use the stressful feeling to your advantage, rather than let it consume you. This is a bit of a process because if you are like me, you are a little disorganized. I had a big exam coming up – the midterm exam that covers all the material for the first half of the semester and counted for something near 50% of my grade! Two weeks before the test my teacher announced it and I instantly felt the anxiety inside. Last semester I had really flunked the midterm and my grades were in the gutter.
The first step I took trying to get over this was to start early. Last time I crammed I was so anxious before the test I barfed. This time I spaced the studying out over the two weeks.
As the test approached I started exercising to clear my mind. I got on my bike and rode around hard for a while before I came back home. Doing that after studying really seemed to make each next study session that much better.
I knew that what I had done in the past was not going to work so I started trying to do the opposite. I was really beating myself up about how dumb I was and how much I didn’t know. So this time I kept telling myself “I know all this material”. “I am going to make an A”. Thinking positive thoughts on the test was relieving.
You will still have a similar feeling when the test day comes. You’ll eventually see that is natural. You’ll know that the feeling of stress triggers a little adrenaline that helps keep the mind sharp. When you realize that – your thoughts will began to change. You will be in the zone.
Now that I had studied in advance instead of procrastinating I felt more sure of myself when the anxiety hit. You need to make sure not to stay up late because you’ll feel tired and that will work against you. Cramming in the past really didn’t work, it only caused information overload. You won’t have enough time to remember everything.
When you get to the test day, show up early. This sets a good pattern in your mind that you are prepared. If the test taking anxiety is too much, deep breaths will relax you back in to control. Remember you can work with the adrenaline and focus even better. Remind yourself that it’s just a test and your mind will reward you by working more freely. Tell yourself you will do your best and you will.
Recognizing and 

