Many students suffer from anxiety when they are faced with tests and exams. The degree of fear may vary, but the symptoms can range from nervous feelings to full-blown physical and mental issues like panic attacks. Luckily, there are a few ways to manage anxiety before a test. Here are some suggestions from educators and learning center professionals on how to remain calm before a large exam.  

How to Reduce Anxiety Before a Test

1. Prepare Beforehand

The more prepared students feel, the less anxious they’ll be. Take practice tests, receive help from a learning center, and become as familiar with the topics as possible. Getting to the class or test site early also helps. It gives students a few moments before the test to settle in and not feel rushed.

2. Sleep & Eat Well

Getting a great night’s rest ensures that test-takers are alert and focused the next day. Make sure to eat a nutritious breakfast filled with whole grains and protein so that sugar levels stay up, and there is no drop in energy. For longer tests and exams that have breaks, pack healthy fruits and vegetables, and avoid junk food.

3. Focus on Yourself

What others are doing is not your concern. Focus solely on your exam and however long it takes for you to answer each question. If others finish early, do not get nervous or feel as if you need to speed up. Stay on track at your own pace while minding any time limits. This will help you make sure you are reading each direction and question carefully and not skipping vital information.

4. Stay Positive

Positive mantras and thoughts will keep you on task. Picture yourself moving through each question and knowing how to find the answer. Repeat a positive saying to yourself to keep any negativity at bay such as “I am ready for this test” or “I can do this.” Don’t forget to breathe, especially if you find yourself getting anxious.

5. Set Manageable Goals

You may find surprises on the test and questions you are unsure of. Set reasonable goals for yourself and account for unforeseen circumstances. Do away with the notion of perfection, which will help you move easily past answers you don’t know. Within the section, find the questions you can easily answer first. Then backtrack to the more difficult questions if time permits. This will allow you to achieve the highest score possible due to not missing the easy questions. 

If your child needs a math tutor in Avon, Trumbull, or Manchester, CT,  Mathnasium can help. The learning center offers professional instructors who employ the Mathnasium Method™, a proven strategy to help students improve their skills and turn any fears about math into a positive experience. The tutoring center also assesses each student in their care so that their program is catered to their needs. For a trial session, call one of the learning center’s three locations. For Avon, call (860) 785-6284. To reach the Trumbull location, dial (203) 261-0588, and to contact the Manchester facility, call (603) 644-1234. Visit them online for more information on their methodology.