BellaOnline Forums Education Distance Learning Handling Stress while Taking Tests

I just had to take my weekly test for my "managing in a diverse and changing world" class. I get so stressed by these! My hands are shaking, my heart is thumping.

I've tried making sure the room is quiet, I have a full glass of water to drink, I have a pad of paper and pen right next to me (I write down each answer as I go in case of browser crash).

I think maybe I'm getting a tiny bit better each time but I still am feeling very stressed.

Any other suggestions besides long, deep breathing?

I have always enjoyed test taking for some reason. Not like I would plan it out as a leisure activity, but i do find the test-talking process somewhat thrilling.

Since I am good at tests, I would have thought that accounted for it...but you are also good at tests, Lisa. So I have nothing productive to add.

...Maybe take some Rescue Remedy right beforehand (a wonderful herbal remedy I can't live without).

I think the deep breathing you are doing is probably the most helpful thing to do. You could maybe add some visualization to that - either of you doing well and being relaxed during the test, or of a scene that you find really peaceful. I always like to see myself floating on an air mattress in the middle of a lake. I find it difficult to visualize myself feeling calm during a test but it works for some people.

I have read somewhere that eating some fruit and/or vegetables is helpful but I don't know anyone who has tried that to lessen their stress.
Hope you find something that works since you have to do a test every week.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I will try herbal tea and mossy-forest visualization!

Might help to analyze your fears. Why are you anxious & what's the worst that will happen if all your fears come true? In reality, you could handle whatever that was. You'd treat it as a learning experience & move one (whether that might be failing a test, disappointing youself, etc.)

And, any bookmaker would give 100 to 1 odds that none of those fears will ever cojme true (except the internet connection one). You are amazing on tests, one of the smartest people I know and you will still be if you let that stress go and relax!

Or chillax as they say around here.

You could perhaps write yourself some affirmations/guided meditations on having anxiety-free testing experiences.

Deb -

You offer some great advice here. What are my fears.

That I will not maintain my A average. I have dreams now of graduating with an all-A grade streak and get the highest honors. So every test is an opportunity to fail at that.