Do you ever get butterflies in your stomach before an exam? Everyone feels some anxiety before an exam; this anxiety is beneficial because it motivates you to work harder. However, even if you studied thoroughly and prepared thoroughly for the exam, you may find yourself blanking out on the simplest of questions. This is referred to as exam or test anxiety.
Test anxiety is characterised by intense stress before, during, and occasionally after exams. It can lead to a drop in performance. Exam anxiety can sometimes be influenced by expectations from one's family, peers, or by one's own personality traits, such as perfectionism. Fear of failure, poor performance on a previous exam, and a lack of preparation can all contribute to test anxiety.
Test anxiety symptoms may include:
- Shaking
- Fast heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Inability to concentrate
- Going blank even after extensive study
Diarrhea, fever, and stomach pains may also occur in some cases.
How Do You Deal With Test Anxiety?
Here are some pointers to help you cope with test anxiety:
Avoid setting unrealistic goals for yourself. You may not be able to get a perfect score, but you can be confident that you did your best.
If you notice yourself having anxious or negative thoughts, examine your thought pattern. Instead of saying, "I can't do this," and thinking negatively, look for solutions and work your way through the syllabus.
Get enough rest. A good night's sleep improves concentration and keeps you calm during the exam.
If you become anxious during the examination, try breathing deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will make you feel less stressed.
We understand that test anxiety can be a stressful and unpleasant experience, but it is also treatable. Anxiety before a test is understandable. However, if you are having difficulty dealing with it, you can always seek the assistance of a mental health professional.
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