Managing Stress For Tests
As PSATS and SATS approach, it is normal to feel certain levels of stress. Stress can be good, coming in the form of eustress. This is what drives us to respond to challenges we face every day. However, stress when unmanaged can become harmful to mental and physical health. In this article, I will be listing three different ways to properly manage stress when it comes to test-taking.
Prepare Before the Test Exams can seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but with proper habits, it becomes much easier to handle. Studying before a test, maintaining healthy habits, and getting proper rest are all vital to reducing stress. Stress comes from uncertainty, worrying about whether you're going to do well. By practicing proper preparation, you can alleviate some of this worry.
Control Your Nerves Mid-Test The test may seem even more terrifying, but this is where controlling your stress becomes vital. Practice controlling your breathing through square-breathing methods. Make sure to pace yourself, answer what you know, and leave what you do not know for later. The main worry comes from the time limit; therefore, it is important to keep track of the time and pace yourself. Don't aim for perfection, just do your best.
Understand One Important Fact
When taking a test, remember one vital fact: you are more than your grade. It is okay to fail; failure is what leads to understanding. Worrying about a score after the test serves no purpose. Grades do not define us as people, nor do they define our intelligence. A bad score should be the motivator to try harder and do your best the next time.
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