Test Anxiety

Although it is quite normal for most students to feel some level of stress and anxiety during examination days, in some cases anxiety begins to hamper exam performance and becomes a major hindrance. Test anxiety is caused by many reasons, including lack of preparation due to inappropriate time management, poor study habits, and an inability to organize information. Constant peer and parental pressure to perform well and the dread of failure can also cause havoc. A fallout of this stress is Test Anxiety Disorder.

Test anxiety may even infuse certain bodily changes in the students like perspiration, stomach upset, fast heartbeat, tension in the muscles, headache or sweaty palms.

Test anxiety leads to mounting nervousness, which distorts the reading, understanding, organizing, retrieving and answering, as well as performance skills of the people. The only way to cope with it is by studying hard, learning and practicing on a regular basis and avoiding laziness, procrastination and daydreaming. One should learn to focus and concentrate on the material that is being read and should never forget to relax by taking long deep breaths and getting proper sleep or rest to stay rejuvenated. There are certain means through which the power of concentration can be increased. The most effective ones are to choose the right environment where noise, interruption and distraction are at a minimum. Lighting, comfort, temperature and neatness must be properly maintained.

When confronted with test anxiety, one must try not to think about fear and focus on the task at hand. One should try to remain relaxed, calm and composed. Imbibing a positive attitude can work wonders and hasten the healing process of an individual. Some anxiety is normal and inevitable. One must learn to cope and keep busy. However, if it persists for a long period of time, seeking psychological is a good idea.

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