1. Overcoming Test Anxiety (Just Breathe!)

2. Plan…Have a Study Plan and Stick To It Record a plan on paper Break the test into pieces Do some studying or preparation every day Study at the same time and place Set goals and reward yourself Find a study partner, or someone to hold you accountable for your progress.

3. Positive…Think Positive, Be Positive Replace anxiety by thinking positive, being positive Talk positively to yourself Think positively about yourself Act positively to yourself Talk, think, act positive and you will start to believe it…

4. Power Up Physically Release stress with physical exercise Exercise is a healthy way to cope with many kinds of stress

5. Put Away Negative Thoughts… They fuel test anxiety “I must always be perfect” “I failed the last time, so I will fail this time” “People won’t like me if I do poorly” “I have always been nervous about taking tests, so I will always be a nervous test taker”

6. Practice Being Calm… Learn to mentally and physically relax Physical relaxation exercise Breathing exercise Mental relaxation exercise

7. Prepare…Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute Determine the items you are allowed to bring Check working condition of calculator, watch, etc (You can NOT use your cell phone as a watch) Pack the items you need the night before Know how to get to the test taking center To study or not to study?

8. Prepare…continued Sleep well Get to the test site early enough Watch what you eat Dress comfortably

9. Pause… Seriously … …... I mean it …

10. Release Physical and Mental Anxiety Before the Test Release and relax Do some low level physical exercise Massage tension away

11. Push…Concentrate on the current question Not the next one, not the last one, ONLY the current one Again, focus one one question at a time Don’t “second guess” If you want to go back and check an answer, make a note on your scratch paper, and come back to it when you are finished

12. Be Proud Walk out with your head held high Know that you have done your best Watch the labels

13. Perspective Keep life in perspective It’s not the end of the world Your parents aren’t going to disown you Your friends aren’t going to laugh at you Your boyfriend/ girlfriend won’t dump you I promise…

14. Post thoughts… Don’t let stress overwhelm you For severe test taking anxiety… Such as nausea, headaches, migraines, panic attacks, trouble breathing… Go ahead and get professional help through a therapist, counselor, or doctor.