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Overcoming Test Anxiety

You went to class, completed your homework, and studied. You arrived at the exam confident about the material. But sometimes, especially if you have test anxiety, taking the test can be the most difficult part of the equation.

        Causes of Test Anxiety

  • Fear of failure. While the pressure to perform can act as a motivator, it can also be devastating to individuals who tie their self-worth to the outcome of a test.

  • Lack of preparation. Waiting until the last minute or not studying at all can leave individuals feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

  • Poor test history. Previous problems or bad experiences with test-taking can lead to a negative mindset and influence performance on future tests.

    Symptoms
  • Physical symptoms: headaches, nausea, diarrhea, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded
  • Emotional symptoms: feelings of anger, fear, worthlessness
  • Cognitive symptoms: difficulty thinking, concentrating, recalling information you learned before

Strategies for Managing Test Anxiety

  • Be prepared. Develop good study habits. Study at least a week or two before the exam, in smaller increments of time and over a few days (instead of pulling an "all-nighter"). Try to simulate exam conditions by working through a practice test, following the same time constraints.

  • Develop good test-taking skills. Read the directions carefully, answer questions you know first and then return to the more difficult ones. Outline essays before you begin to write.

  • Maintain a positive attitude. Remember that your self-worth should not be dependent on or defined by a test grade. Creating a system of rewards and reasonable expectations for studying can help to produce effective studying habits. There is no benefit to negative thinking.

  • Stay focused. Concentrate on the test, not other students during your exams. Try not to talk to other students about the subject material before taking an exam.

  • Practice relaxation techniques. If you feel stressed during the exam, take deep, slow breaths and consciously relax your muscles, one at a time. This can invigorate your body and will allow you to better focus on the exam.

  • Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, eat healthfully, exercise and allow for personal time. If you are exhausted—physically or emotionally—it will be more difficult for you to handle stress and anxiety.

If these strategies don't help, call for an appointment. Treatment for test anxiety is pretty straight forward and can usually be improved within just a few sessions.  

This site is designed for informational purposes only. It does not render psychological services and is not intended to be a substitute for psychological services. If you are experiencing a medical or psychological emergency, you should immediately call 911 or visit your local emergency room. For more information see the full disclaimer.
518 E. Hospital Street
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

Pineywoods Psychological Services

(936) 462-8577
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