{"id":343,"date":"2017-11-10T15:19:13","date_gmt":"2017-11-10T15:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/?p=343"},"modified":"2017-11-10T15:19:13","modified_gmt":"2017-11-10T15:19:13","slug":"12-ways-overcome-test-anxiety-before-next-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myredkite.com\/blog\/12-ways-overcome-test-anxiety-before-next-test\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Ways to Overcome Anxiety Before Your Next Test"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s just a test, right? So why do you get so nervous? For some students, taking a low-point pop quiz holds the same level of anxiety as taking the SATs<\/a>. What gives?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/p>\n

Nobody likes taking tests. Even if you\u2019ve studied hard, it\u2019s normal to feel a little anxious. For some students, test anxiety can be so uncomfortable that it affects their performance.<\/p>\n

Luckily, there are things you can do before and during the test to keep the anxiety at bay. It\u2019s time to dominate your test scores!<\/p>\n

Know the Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Do you know what test anxiety looks like? If you\u2019ve had one of the following symptoms while taking a test<\/a>, you probably have some form of test anxiety.<\/p>\n

Sweaty Hands<\/h3>\n

When you feel nervous, you\u2019ve got a lot of adrenaline pumping through your body. As a result, nervous test takers sometimes start sweating a little during test time.<\/p>\n

How to combat it:<\/h4>\n

Keep a cold water bottle nearby to cool you down. Also keep napkins or a small towel handy to dry off your hands.<\/p>\n

Fast Breathing<\/h3>\n

You might not even realize you\u2019re doing it, but fast, short breaths are a symptom of test anxiety. Shallow breaths don\u2019t completely fill your lungs. As a result, your concentration dwindles and your anxiety increases.<\/p>\n

How to combat it:<\/h4>\n

Throughout your test, take periodic deep breaths. Inhale, exhale.<\/p>\n

Upset Stomach<\/h3>\n

Definitely not the ideal way to feel when you\u2019re trying to ace a test. An upset stomach is common for some nervous test-takers. Sometimes you\u2019re so nervous that you feel a bit nauseous. It takes your mind away from your test, which is not a good thing.<\/p>\n

How to combat it:<\/h4>\n

Before the test, steer clear of any heavy foods. Stick to something light and nutritious.<\/p>\n

Before the Test<\/h2>\n

Now you know how to treat the symptoms. But what if you could start curing your test anxiety before you even make it to the classroom? Start treating your test anxiety before the test. The more you prepare in advance, the calmer you\u2019ll be when you sit down to complete the test.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Procrastinate<\/h3>\n

Do you start feeling a little nervous leading up to the test date? It\u2019s probably because you have studying to do, but you don\u2019t know where to start.<\/p>\n

First of all, don\u2019t you dare wait until the last minute! That will only make you more nervous. Instead, come up with a study plan well before the test date. Set aside an amount of time to study each day so you can get into a rhythm.<\/p>\n

Study the RIGHT Way<\/h3>\n

During your designated study time, use a study guide<\/a> to keep your efforts organized. Your study guide will help you pinpoint which areas you need to spend some extra time on. Make sure you also avoid any distractions. Turn the TV off; put your cell phone on mute. A quiet, relaxed environment will help you focus on the task at hand.<\/p>\n

Chill Out<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t psych yourself out before the test even begins! Leading up to the test date, try to calm yourself and alleviate some stress. You could:<\/p>\n