
You made it through midterms, and now it’s time to start thinking about finals.
You might have a big standardized test on the horizon such as the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT. Midterms went well, but wow. The test anxiety was intense. You study for your tests and feel unprepared no matter how much time and energy you put into it. The pressure kept building and you felt jittery and panicky. The good news is that there are ways to cope with test anxiety!
You are not alone in dealing with test anxiety. Many students struggle with it. This includes those who don’t likely experience anxiety over other aspects of the college experience. At Wellview Counseling, we love helping students find ways to navigate test anxiety. Making test-taking less stressful is possible, and we’re here to help.
Test Anxiety Is Real – Whether It’s a Final or a Standardized Test
We often discount test anxiety as a normal part of the college experience. Who doesn’t get anxious over tests? But, there is a point where it may be time to get help for test anxiety. In our Roswell, GA therapy office, we help students deal with anxiety over tests. Whether it is their finals, or a big test such as the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT.
The thing about test anxiety is that it becomes a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. What you think might happen ends up happening because of the anxiety! You get so anxious about poor performance on the test that it affects your ability to test well. Here are some coping strategies for testing anxiety from an anxiety therapist.
5 Coping Strategies for Test Anxiety
There are many ways to cope with test anxiety. Yet, it’s something that may not completely go away. But learning how to manage your anxiety symptoms goes a long way in making test-taking less anxiety-inducing. Here are my five favorite coping strategies for test anxiety.
Take time for self-care
It’s so easy to get caught up in studying and forget to take care of yourself. But, it’s like they say when you ride an airplane. Put your own oxygen mask on first! You’re not going to do well on your exam if you’re forgetting to take care of yourself. Figure out what self-care looks like for you and use it! Some people enjoy bubble baths and others like to go on a hike. Regardless of what self-care looks like for you, be sure to practice it as you prepare for your exams!
Short bursts of time for yourself to unwind
Studying for long periods without breaks is actually counterproductive. I find it best to study for short bursts of time, with breaks to help yourself unwind. You may use a productivity method such as a Pomodoro timer or set an alarm on your phone to take a break. Regardless, be sure to build in breaks. Doing so will give your brain time to decompress and be ready to absorb more information.
Practice mindfulness when studying
It is important to stay in the present moment and try to keep your brain from going down every anxiety-inducing rabbit hole it wants to. Practicing mindfulness while studying can help you stay grounded and in the moment while testing. I like to focus on the way my clothes feel on my body. I try to recognize the weight and texture, focusing on and paying attention to what it feels like. This helps you come back to the present moment. Plus, adding deep breathing to it can help keep you calm as you take your tests.
Set a routine and practice it
Our brains like routine; yet we often rebel against it. Having a routine for how you study and what you have with you can make a big difference in test anxiety. If you are preparing for a big test such as the LSAT, have your bottle of water, and clear your desk and room. Then, study as though you are taking the test. This prepares your brain for what test day will look like. If you are preparing for a final, set up some sort of trigger for your brain to know it’s time to start test mode. It may be a physical movement or a big drink of water. No matter what it is, this helps you feel more prepared as you go into your test.
I’m also a big fan of positive self-talk, often in the form of mantras, you repeat to help calm yourself. It may be as simple as “I am prepared” or more complex. Figure out what you need to hear to help you do great on this test and repeat it to yourself!
Just Start. You got this!
Are you finding yourself procrastinating because of test anxiety? If so, one of the best ways to overcome it is to just start somewhere. Take one small chunk of the exam and start prepping. You don’t have to be perfect in your studying to study well.
Begin Working with A Young Adult Therapist in Roswell, GA
Do you find yourself dealing with test anxiety to the point that it is interfering with your studies? If so, it might be time to consider anxiety treatment at our practice in Roswell, GA. You deserve support in overcoming your anxiety, and our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with a caring therapist
- Start receiving the support you deserve!
Other Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Anxiety treatment isn’t the only service our team offers from our Roswell, GA-based therapy practice. Wellview Counseling is happy to offer support for a variety of mental health issues. We offer support for children, individuals, teens, and families. Other mental health services include treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, chronic illness, and postpartum anxiety and depression. Feel free to also learn more about our social groups for kids, or visit our blog today!