High school students across the country are feeling the pressure of the PSAT this week. While most students experience some level of uneasiness during a test, students with test anxiety suffer severe physical, emotional and cognitive reactions. Headaches, nausea, sweating, feelings of helplessness and difficulty concentrating are common indicators of test anxiety.
- Be prepared. Begin studying at least a week or two before the exam. If possible, take a practice test, constraining yourself to the same time limit as the actual test.
- Develop good test-taking skills. Read all directions carefully, and answer the questions you know first.
- Maintain a positive attitude. Your self-worth is not defined by a test grade.
- Stay focused. Concentrate on the test, not others around you during the exam.
- Practice relaxation techniques. If you start to feel stressed during the test, take deep, slow breaths and consciously relax your muscles, one at a time.
- Stay healthy. Get enough sleep, eat healthy and exercise. You can handle stress better when you are well-rested and nourished.
- Visit the counseling center. Reach out to your school counselors for help with test anxiety.
Soon, this will be you!