Test Anxiety

Test and anxiety. For many, those two words are inseparable. I don’t mind tests; in fact, I’ve always welcomed the challenge, but as a former classroom teacher I know I’m in the minority.

Perhaps, I thought, folks could benefit from my tips to reduce or even alleviate test anxiety. Here are my top five:

1. Don’t sleep the night before a big test. Instead, stay up all night watching a “Criminal Minds” or “CSI” marathon. There’s something about the combination of sleeplessness and competent police work performed by abnormally attractive people that helps one put things in proper perspective: There aren’t any serial killers after you? Relax! It’s just a test!

2. Skip breakfast if it’s a morning test, or lunch for an afternoon test. When your stomach begins rumbling you’ll be so embarrassed that you’ll forget to be nervous about the test. It might also annoy others around you thus potentially affecting the curve.

3. Imbibe large quantities of alcohol just before taking your test. Watch your test anxiety fade into the background as your blood alcohol level increases.

4. Wear your Jammies on test day and bring your favorite stuffed animal. It’s almost impossible to be anxious while wearing one’s softest pair of flannel p.j.’s and cuddling Teddy Bear.

5. Carry your favorite handbag and/or wear killer shoes, then imagine that everyone else is in Kmart couture. You’ll feel superior and confident. Obviously this tip shouldn’t be paired with #4.

Disclaimer: These tips are good only for relieving test anxiety. They do not, I repeat DO NOT have any positive effects on test results, and indeed could lead to just the opposite. Positive results generally derive from a healthy mix of studying and test preparation.

Peace, People!

Author: nananoyz

I'm a semi-retired crazy person with one husband and two cats. View all posts by nananoyz