No more all-night studying and not getting enough sleep the day before taking a test at school. On Our Sleeves has eight ways your child can prepare to help decrease anxiety and increase confidence so they can perform their best.
Try these eight tips to take the stress of out of tests:
- Avoid nerves before a test by making sure you get plenty of sleep the night before.
- Think positive thoughts! These can rapidly improve your scores. So set aside the negative thoughts, and change them into positive ones. For example: instead of thinking “I will fail,” change the thought to, “I will do my best.”
- Avoid test taking nervousness by planning ahead and being prepared. Ask the teacher for a study guide, study with friends, and make sure to review material in a timely manner.
- Avoid cramming right before the test. Break down material into sections or chapters. Try focusing on one section per study session until all needed material is covered.
- Don't go to the exam with an empty stomach. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often recommended to reduce stress. Avoid stressful foods with high sugar content and processed foods like: pop, potato chips, or candy.
- Adding peppermint to your tea or diet can help you feel more awake and aware to do your best on the test. Try a mint while studying and one right before the test to help your brain associate the material you studied to be recalled for the test.
- Focus on addressing each question individually. As you take the test, if you don't know an answer, don't obsess over it. Instead, answer the best way you can or skip over the question and come back to it after you've answered other questions.
- If you're so nervous that you blank out, you might need a mini-break. Wiggle your fingers and toes, take four or five deep breaths, or picture yourself in a calm place.
