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Whats the best way to focus when having test anxiety?

19 Answers
Last Updated: 04/03/2018 at 5:49pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Andrea Tuck, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I tackle and discuss a multitude of social and emotional health issues. I have a belief that through empowerment and non-judgmental support clients' can thrive.

Top Rated Answers
Yuki2714
November 9th, 2015 4:39pm
Enough sleep, a chocolate cake, and a really good motivation. Of course, stop overthinking. If you do that, then youre really causing yourself stress. Let loose. Smile. Be confident.
LoveBug888
April 3rd, 2018 5:49pm
I think the best way to deal with test anxiety is to take it slow and clear your mind of anything else. Don't think about how hard this test will be, think about the things you know for sure and how you can pass it for sure.
AmyCath
October 10th, 2017 7:46pm
Take a deep breath, do something that is relaxing to you like listening to music and remember that no matter what happens, this test does not define you.
loyalCanine
July 31st, 2017 9:02pm
While not an expert solution I have found that the reason for test anxiety comes from the recurrent train of thoughts about what might happen. Therefore a solution I find helpful is to take a page in a notebook or a word file and set a timer for 10 mins. While this is running write down everything that comes to mind and without worrying about grammar or neatness. The result can be like a safety valve which allows the thoughts to release and then to settle again. Perhaps not always entirely but usually enough to make things much more managable.
gracefulPalm90
May 8th, 2017 4:22am
Mindfullness techniques are a great way to relax before testing. Try deep breathing techniques that help to relax. What is interesting about mindfullness techniques is that you can utilize things that over stimulate and create a story in your mind from start to finish. This method helps put you in control over.
strawberryflamingo
February 6th, 2017 8:42pm
tell yourself that if you wouldnt pass your test it won't be the end of the world, breath deeply and focus on the questions
Anonymous
January 24th, 2017 7:14am
Positivity is the key to everything, if we will not have confidence in ourself we will feel anxious... one needs to put in his 100% and stay focused. Diverting yourself and getting involved in light humor is always recommended.
Mocha3800
October 10th, 2016 5:51pm
Best way to focus when having test anxiexty is to concentrate on your breathing. In through your nose out through your mouth. Do it slow and comfortably even readjust yourself in your seat if you have to.
thecatalyst
February 8th, 2016 6:58am
The best way to focus is to understand that nearly everyone else in the test room will be feeling much the same. If you're stuck on a tricky question, chances are a lot of you peers will be struggling too!
Anonymous
December 28th, 2015 2:22pm
The two best ways to focus is to wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it to snap out of your anxiety and this had been a huge help for me. Another way is to think positively and know that you studied hard enough to succeed
Anonymous
January 25th, 2015 6:25am
The best way to beat test anxiety is to desensitize yourself to the test. Study hard, but try taking simulated, practice tests that mimic as closely as possible the actual conditions of the test and the testing environment. By acclimating yourself to those conditions, you will be less traumatized by the real thing. Good luck.
Ruby6x
July 13th, 2015 12:53pm
Think about the revision and what you read. Try to imagine you're in a room on your own and nobody is there, and you are doing the test. This will help get the right peace of mind and help you to focus. Good luck:)
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 9:45pm
The best way to eliminate test anxiety is probably to gain confidence in the material that the test will be covering, and that means studying appropriately and learning your stuff beforehand. Remember: all of the work for a test is done long before the minute hand begins ticking away; tests truly begin as soon as last has ended. How you focus in the days or weeks before a test will determine how you'll focus during the test itself.
radiantSun65
June 30th, 2015 8:43pm
Practicing some form of meditation or deliberate relaxation helps you to control your breathing, your heart rate and your thought processes. Focus your practice on calming yourself—by dismissing unwanted thoughts, refocusing your mind and controlling your breathing
jakfullofwandering
June 10th, 2015 4:21pm
Take your time and remember to breathe, and remember in college you can get help in the student disability service that can help accommodate your test anxiety if it is really hurting your grades.
SpiritWolfNYC
May 30th, 2015 2:45am
All you can do is all you can do and all you can do is enough. Don't think too much or doubt your answers. That is how you will be able to focus and do well on a test.
mad22
May 23rd, 2015 6:43am
just believe in your self. You had done all the preparation very well. And you just have to apply what had you learnt. So just make your mind positive & cool.
Anonymous
April 10th, 2015 1:45am
I find that it's best to take a deep breath and to trust your gut. Try not to second guess yourself. It may help to read the question more than once or whisper it outloud so that you understand it better when your mind is clouded with anxiety.
Bluebelle13
February 20th, 2015 10:32am
I always found it helpful to focus on my breathing (in for 5 seconds, hold for 2 seconds and then out for 8 seconds). But I also found it useful to focus on moving my hands or feet to show that I was still in control of my actions even though I was feeling overwhelmed by anxiety.