How to beat test anxiety?

Question

I have to take the essay portion of the regents test tomorrow for college and i am scared! If i fail this test, i have to take a remedial course and take the test again. Its really difficult to study for this test because its a essay and how do you study to take a essay.

But anyways how do i beat this test anxiety and be ready to take this test

Answer 1

In one day it will be hard to "beat" it entirely. However, there are some tips that have helped me in the past.

1. sit in the back of the room, if you can, face the wall. Seriously, this allows you to not be distracted by what other people are doing, like getting up, writing a lot, etc.

2. try to stop and breathe, don't giggle your leg up and down and check in with yourself every so often to relax and get a lot of oxygen to your brain. Usually when you are anxious, you don't breath and there is not O2 getting up there. The lungs don't have enough to move around.

3. Don't remind yourself how you may not pass; try to imagine passing it and getting though it with ease. The more you think you can't do something, the less likely you will be able to. Guided imagery...think about passing tonight , a lot! Also think about going through the test and knowing how to answer the essay question.

4. The obvious one, make sure you know your material.  Many many studies have shown that when you study and then fall asleep shortly after, you retain more information b/c its being processed unconsciously. So, study hard and then go to bed. But, DONT CRAM!! Get sleep, etc.Don't drink coffee/caffeine and you will be fine!!