It is that time of year again, getting ready for the holidays, getting excited about all the celebrations. Yet there are those ever-daunting finals in the way of all the excitement. Are you starting to feel worried, calculating all your points in class, or worrying you may not get the GPA you want? I urge you to keep reading. There are tried and proven techniques to help you to beat your test anxiety, as well as feel prepared to conquer your tests this finals season.
Ten Tips to Avoid Anxiety
- Avoid talking to others that are also stressed out: Negativity breeds bad moods and can suck the motivation out of you to study. It can also bring you down and lead to even more anxiety over your finals. Try to find a supportive study group of motivated individuals that can build you up and encourage you to use good studying techniques.
- Self-care: Try to eat healthily and get enough sleep. I can’t say it enough that it is never worth the all-nighter to study. You would end up tired, cranky, overwhelmed, and anxious. Your brain would be only working at less than half its power because you did not get enough rest and proper nutrition.
- Learn to say no: Take small breaks, but holiday parties and hangouts with friends will need to be put on hold until you have gotten your studying in. Lean on your social supports but know it is ok to say “no” to plans during the week of finals so that you can study. You will appreciate that you took the time to study.
- Visualize yourself passing the test: There’s nothing greater than the feeling of a test being over and feeling accomplished that you passed. Visualize yourself passing and feeling relaxed at home knowing the test is over and you mastered it!
- Create a detailed planner: Outline and time out a study schedule for each of your exams. Consider studying in different spots in order to foster motivation and limit boredom.
- Take breaks: Go for a run, bake, take a bath, do something enjoyable to take your mind off the material and your anxious thoughts. After you’ve taken a break you will feel more refreshed and relaxed to continue to store the material.
- Do not start the night before: Begin your studying at least two or three weeks before the exam. You will feel less rushed, and more prepared by having a study plan. You will gradually learn the material rather than cram it all in.
- Ask for extra help: Consider meeting with your teacher or professor after school or during their office hours to get more support. Teachers and professors can often explain the material in different ways that can help you gain understanding.
- Positive self-talk: Ever hear of the little tank that could? “I think I can, I think I can.” Tell yourself you can do it! Remind yourself to stay calm, and that you can only do your best.
- Power pose: Some studies suggest before a test you should strike a Superman pose in the mirror and this will boost confidence in your brain. If you feel confident, you will do better and keep that anxiety at bay.
We Believe in You!
Remember, tests are a measure of how well you have learned the material for the semester; it is not a test of you as a person or student. Some subjects and classes may be more difficult than others or may not be your thing. You can only do your best, and if you tried that is all you can do. Just remember, I once got a D in my religious studies class, and I still made it to become a counselor. I could do it, and you can too! At Davis-Smith Mental Health WE BELIEVE in YOU!
