5 Ways to Ease Test Anxiety

If you’re a college student, chances are you’ve been feeling the pressure of exams. You’ve studied hard, spent hours practicing your skills, and you’re counting down the days until your big test! But once it’s finally time to take the test, your nerves aren’t helping you perform. You’re having a hard time answering the questions, and you’re losing sleep because of all of your pre-test anxiety!

What causes my test anxiety?

Typically, the reason why you feel nervous before tests is because your body is responding to an internal threat. For example, if your professor gave you a quiz that was very difficult or if you have to give a presentation in class or at work, your body responds by releasing hormones that help you prepare to fight off the danger.

You might have experienced this when trying out for a school play, singing a solo on the stage, or getting into position at the pitcher’s mound. These are all situations that require your performance to be at its best.

But how do you deal with this feeling? The good news is that there are a number of strategies you can use to ease your feelings of anxiety before and during tests.

1. Brew a cup of tea to relax and calm your mind.

Herbal teas like peppermint, chamomile, and ginger have been shown to help reduce anxiety, so brewing yourself a relaxing herbal beverage can be a great way to ease your stress before the big day.

2. Practice deep breathing and meditation before the test

Many students find that focusing on their breath can be a useful method for reducing anxiety and stress. A few minutes of slow, deep breathing can short-circuit the fight or flight response and reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.

3. Put things in perspective

While a big test can be stressful, it’s important to remember that your life and future aren’t entirely dependent on it. In other words, if you don’t do well on the exam, your grades will still be fine.

4. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks

Caffeine and other energy drinks may boost your alertness, but they can also cause feelings of jitters and make it more difficult to focus on the test. In addition, studies have shown that students who consume caffeine before a test are more likely to experience high levels of stress than those who don’t.

5. Get to know your classmates and teachers

If you’re nervous about the test, it’s important to spend some time with your friends and classmates. This will help you build a support system and learn how to cope with the stresses that come with taking exams.

6. Do something you enjoy before the test

You can try doing something that you enjoy, such as going for a walk, playing tennis, or playing a game of chess. This will allow you to relax and forget about the exam for a while, and it might help you feel less anxious when you actually have to take the test.