Distressed to Destressed: Overcoming Test Anxiety
Did you know that standardized tests used to contain protocol in case a student threw up on the test booklet? Rather than digging into the reason for this testing sickness, people who noticed enough students vomiting from the stress of a test only added instructions for that occasion. While the ethics of standardized testing is an entirely different debate, testing is unavoidable in schools. If your student struggles with anxiety on tests, here are some pieces of advice to help:
Put the test into perspective - Remember that a test is only a reflection of your test taking skills in that specific amount of time. The grade of a test is never a reflection of your intelligence or value.
Find relaxation techniques- Everyone relaxes differently. Research some techniques for relaxation and find what works for you. Deep breathing and thought exercises can subtly be used during a test to calm the nerves.
3. Be prepared - Studying is a skill which should be practiced. It may take time to figure out what methods help you the most, but your effort will be rewarded! (Check out the blog about my favorite study techniques to learn more.)
4. Gather information- Not knowing what to expect could be a source of anxiety. The first test of the year is always the hardest because you don't know what it'll be like. However, once you take a teacher's first test, you can study more efficiently knowing what type of questions will be on it. Also, teachers will usually tell you something about the test in class. Take careful notes, so you don't get overwhelmed with studying. The more you know about a test, the more prepared and comfortable you will feel.
5. Make healthy lifestyle choices - Getting enough sleep, eating protein for breakfast, and drinking water will ensure your brain and memory are at their best. Make sure you take care of your body and brain so you know you're in the best shape when test time arrives. When you feel stressed, remember you've done everything you can to prepare.
6. Skip hard questions - Answering questions you know right away can build confidence. Move past hard questions and mark them to return to later. Sometimes the answer to a question will be somewhere else on a test, so coming back to difficult questions at the end is the best option!
7. Talk to your Teacher - Your teacher is there to guide and help you. If you find yourself with too much anxiety before a test, tell your teachers; they may be able to tell you some information to help you feel more confident.
8. Take a break - If you're getting overwhelmed while studying or taking the test, close your eyes for a second, kick your feet, stretch your fingers, and take a deep breath. A small break to refocus and relax can energize your brain for the next part of the test.
9. Say a prayer - When you're sitting at your desk waiting for the teacher to pass out tests, you've done all you can do. Ask God for guidance on the test and peace while taking it. The ultimate cure for anxiety is God!
Anxiety won't go away immediately, but a combination of these techniques can bring temporary relief to a stressed test taker. Ultimately, always remember that your worth comes from being God's creation and never from an academic test! At Family Focused Tutors, we understand how stressful tests can be for students, especially those struggling with test anxiety. Our personalized tutoring services focus on building confidence, improving test-taking strategies, and offering ongoing support throughout the academic year. If your child is experiencing anxiety during test preparation or struggling with study skills, we're here to help. Visit us at www.familyfocusedtutors.com to learn more about how we can guide your child to academic success with less stress.