test anxiety
Do you experience test anxiety? Some nervousness is normal, but test anxiety can interfere with your ability to perform on tests. Test anxiety occurs when you are adequately prepared for a test, but still, panic, "blank out" or overreact. The challenge with test anxiety is controlling responses that are both emotional and physical. To do this, many students find using a combination of relaxation techniques and self-talk helpful.
In addition to this, there are steps you can take to reduce your testing anxiety:
- Be prepared-avoid cramming
- Change your attitude-have reasonable expectations about the impact of one test
- Take care of yourself-eat well, exercise and get a good nights sleep before the test
- The day of the test-eat a light breakfast, don't over-caffeinate, do something relaxing the hour before the test, and arrive early
- During the test-read directions carefully, pace yourself, recheck answers if you have extra time, counter negative thoughts with positive ones, if you feel yourself getting worked up, take deep breaths (5-10), then refocus
- After the test-reward yourself for your effort, don't dwell on mistakes
If you need additional help, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Bon Secours (located in Windsor) is a free, confidential support service that can work with you in a short term capacity on an individual basis to help you manage your anxiety. You can contact EAP through the Office of Student Success or directly, 24 hours a day, at 342-1501.
Stay tuned for details on a workshop dealing with test anxiety and stress management here at BSMCON.
