Test anxiety is a type of anxiety that occurs in response to taking a test or exam. It is a normal and familiar feeling that many people experience, especially in high-stakes or high-pressure situations. 

Symptoms of test anxiety can include feeling nervous or anxious about the test, difficulty concentrating or remembering information, feeling overwhelmed or unprepared, and physical symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing.

Test anxiety can interfere with a person's ability to perform well on a test, and it is essential to find ways to manage it to do the best you can. 

Some strategies that can help with test anxiety include preparing ahead of time, taking breaks to relax and clear your mind, and using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. 

It can also be helpful to talk to a teacher, counsellor, or another trusted adult about your anxiety, as they may be able to offer additional support and guidance.

This article has listed ten ways you can apply to overcome your test anxiety.

Understand the causes of your test anxiety

Understanding the causes of your test anxiety can be a helpful first step in overcoming it. Test anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

• Fear of failure: You may fear failing the test or not living up to your or others' expectations.
• Lack of preparation: If you are well-prepared for the test, you may feel relaxed about your chances of success.
• Time pressure: The feeling rushed or running out of time can cause anxiety.
• Test format: If you are unfamiliar with the layout of the test, it may cause anxiety.
• Personal worries: Personal problems or worries can interfere with your ability to focus on the test and cause anxiety.
• Negative past experiences: If you have had negative experiences with tests, it can contribute to test anxiety.

Identifying the specific cause or causes of your test anxiety can help you develop strategies to address it.

Create a study schedule and stick to it

Creating a study schedule and sticking to it can be an effective way to reduce test anxiety. 

A study schedule allows you to break down your study tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks of time, which can make studying feel less overwhelming. 

It also helps you allocate sufficient time for studying, increasing your confidence and reducing anxiety about being unprepared for the test.

Here are some tips for creating an effective study schedule:

• Plan out your study sessions in advance: Determine how much time you need to study for the test and divide it into smaller blocks. For example, if you have a week to study for a test, you plan to check for two hours daily.
• Choose the best time to study: Figure out when you are most productive and schedule your study sessions for those times. Some people find learning more accessible in the morning, while others are more productive in the evening.
• Make a list of what you need to study: Break down the material you need to check into smaller topics or chapters. This can help you focus your study sessions and make it easier to track your progress.
• Include breaks in your study schedule: It's essential to take breaks during your study sessions to rest your mind. The program breaks between study sessions or takes short breaks during long study sessions.
• Stick to your schedule: Commit yourself to stick to your study schedule. Put your study schedule somewhere visible, such as on your bulletin board or fridge, as a reminder to stay on track.

Break up your study sessions into shorter, more manageable chunks of time

Breaking up your study sessions into faster, more manageable pieces of time can help reduce test anxiety in a few ways:

• It can help prevent burnout: Studies have shown that taking breaks during long study sessions can improve overall performance. Taking breaks gives your brain a chance to rest and recharge, which can help you stay focused and motivated when you return to studying.
• It can help you retain information better: Studies have also shown that spacing out your study sessions over an extended period can improve your ability to retain information. This is known as the spacing effect.
• It can make studying feel less overwhelming: Breaking up your study sessions into shorter blocks can make studying more manageable. It can be easier to motivate yourself to study for 30 minutes at a time than several hours in a row.

• Set a timer: Use a timer to track how much time you are studying. For example, set a timer for 25 minutes of study time followed by a 5-minute break. Here are some tips for breaking up your study sessions:
• Take breaks: Take breaks during your study sessions to give your brain a rest. Take a short walk, stretch, or snack during your break.
• Change your study location: If you are feeling stuck or restless, try studying in a different area. This can help keep you focused and engaged.
• Alternate between different subjects or tasks: If you are studying for multiple exams, try alternating between various issues or tasks during your study sessions. This can help keep you from getting bored or burnt out.

Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can reduce test anxiety. 

These techniques can help calm your mind and body and improve your ability to focus.

Here are some relaxation techniques you can try:

• Deep breathing: Take slow, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. As you inhale, count to four in your head. Repeat this process for several minutes.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: Tighten and relax different muscle groups in your body, starting with your feet and working your way up to your head. Hold for a few seconds as you tighten each muscle group and then release.
• Meditation: Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders, gently redirect your attention back to your breath.
• Visualisation: Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a mountain landscape. Focus on the sights, sounds, and feelings of the stage.

It may take some practice to get the hang of these relaxation techniques. However, with regular exercise, they can become an effective tool for reducing test anxiety.

Get a good night's sleep before the test.

You are getting a good night's sleep before a test can be a meaningful way to reduce test anxiety. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, which is the process of strengthening new information in your memory. 

This means that the information you study before sleep is more likely to be retained in your long-term memory.

In addition, sleep is essential for overall physical and mental health. 

Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, including memory, problem-solving, and concentration. It can also increase feelings of stress and anxiety.

Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep before a test:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom dark, calm, and quiet. Use a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Avoid screens before bedtime: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.
• Relax before bed: Try a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help calm your mind and body.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep. Avoid consuming them close to bedtime.

These tips can improve your chances of getting a good night's sleep and reduce test anxiety.

Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the test.

Eating a healthy breakfast on the day of the test can be an effective way to reduce test anxiety. Breakfast provides the fuel your body and brain need to function at their best. 

It can help improve concentration and memory, which can be especially important on test days.

Here are some tips for eating a healthy breakfast:

• Include whole grains: Whole grains, such as oats, whole wheat, or quinoa, provide sustained energy and are a good source of fibre.
• Add protein: Protein, such as eggs, nuts, or Greek yoghurt, can help keep you full and satisfied.
• Include fruits or vegetables: Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that can help improve brain function.
• Avoid sugary foods: Sugary foods, such as pastries and sugary cereals, can cause a quick burst of energy followed by a crash, which can leave you feeling sluggish and tired.
• Drink water: Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and can help improve cognitive function.

Eating a healthy breakfast can help give your body and brain the fuel they need to perform at their best on test day.

Arrive at the test location early to reduce stress

Arriving at the test location early can be a helpful way to reduce test anxiety. It can allow you to get settled in and mentally prepare for the test, which can help you feel more confident and calm.

Here are some tips for arriving at the test location early:

• Plan your transportation: Make sure you know how you will get to the test location and allow extra time for unexpected delays, such as traffic or transportation issues.
• Pack your materials the night before: Gather all the materials you will need for the test, such as pencils, a calculator, and your ID, and pack them in a bag the night before. This will help ensure you remember everything and reduce last-minute stress.
• Allow extra time for unexpected delays: Traffic or transportation issues can cause delays. Allowing spare time can help reduce stress if you encounter unexpected delays.
• Use the extra time to review: Use your spare time before the test to check any last-minute questions or concerns you may have. This can help you feel more prepared and confident when you start the test.

By arriving at the test location early, you can reduce stress and increase your chances of success on the test.

Take breaks during your study sessions to give your mind a rest

Taking breaks during your study sessions can be an effective way to reduce test anxiety. Breaks allow your brain to rest and recharge, which can help you stay focused and motivated when you return to studying.

Here are some tips for taking breaks during your study sessions:

• Schedule regular intervals: Plan to take a break every 50-60 minutes of study time.
• Make the most of your breaks: Use your breaks to do something enjoyable or relaxing, such as going for a walk, chatting with a friend, or listening to music. Avoid activities that are overly stimulating or require a lot of mental effort, such as playing video games or watching TV.
• Keep your breaks short: Aim for intervals that are 10-15 minutes in length. Shorter intervals can help you stay focused and motivated, while longer intervals can make it harder to get back into study mode.
• Use a timer: Use a timer to keep track of your study time and breaks. This can help you stay on track and avoid overstudying or taking too many breaks.

By taking regular breaks during your study sessions, you can help reduce test anxiety and improve your performance on the test.

Consider seeking the help of a counsellor or therapist to work through your test anxiety.

Seeking the help of a counsellor or therapist can be an effective way to work through test anxiety. 

A professional can help you identify the causes of your anxiety and develop coping strategies to manage it.

Here are some reasons to consider seeking the help of a counsellor or therapist:

• Test anxiety is disrupting your life: If test anxiety is causing significant disruption in your life, such as interfering with your ability to study or causing you to avoid tests altogether, it may be helpful to seek the help of a professional.
• You have tried other strategies that have not helped: If you have tried different approaches, such as creating a study schedule or practising relaxation techniques, and they have not been effective in reducing your test anxiety, a counsellor or therapist may be able to offer additional strategies or support.
• You are experiencing other mental health concerns: If you are experiencing other mental health concerns, such as depression or generalised anxiety disorder, in addition to test anxiety, it may be helpful to work with a professional to address these issues.
• You feel overwhelmed or unable to cope: If you are feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with your test anxiety, a counsellor or therapist can provide a safe, supportive space to work through your feelings and develop coping strategies.

If you are considering seeking the help of a counsellor or therapist, you can start by talking to your primary care doctor or a school counsellor for recommendations.

Try to reframe your thinking about tests and see them as an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills rather than as a source of stress.

Reframing your thinking about tests and seeing them as an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills rather than as a source of stress can be a helpful way to reduce test anxiety. 

This approach can help shift your focus from the potential consequences of the test (e.g., failing or not living up to expectations) to the opportunity it presents to show what you know and can do.

Here are some tips for reframing your thinking about tests:

• Focus on what you can control: Rather than stressing about things you can't control, such as the content of the test or the behaviour of other students, focus on what you can control, such as your preparation and mindset.
• Remind yourself of your strengths: Remember that you have strengths and skills that you can bring to the test. Reminding yourself of these strengths can help boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
• Practice positive self-talk: When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about the test (e.g., "I'm going to fail"), try to reframe them in a more positive light (e.g., "I have studied hard and am well-prepared for this test").
• Focus on the learning opportunity: Rather than seeing the test as a high-stakes event, try to focus on it as a learning opportunity. Regardless of the outcome, ask yourself what you can learn from the test.

By reframing your thinking about tests, you can shift your focus from stress to opportunity and improve your chances of success.