which you did something (academic or otherwise) that you were really proud
of—a genuine accomplishment. Make the memory as detailed as possible.
Think about the sights, the sounds, the smells, even the tastes associated with
this remembered experience. Remember how confident you felt as you
accomplished your goal. Now start thinking about the upcoming test. Keep
your thoughts and feelings in line with that successful experience. Don’t make
comparisons between them. Just imagine taking the upcoming test with the
same feelings of confidence and relaxed control.
This exercise is a great way to bring the test down to earth. You should
practice this exercise often, especially when the prospect of taking the exam
starts to bum you out. The more you practice it, the more effective the
exercise will be for you.
CONTROL PHYSICAL STRESS
Exercise Your Frustrations Away
Whether it is jogging, walking, biking, mild aerobics, pushups, or a pickup
basketball game, physical exercise is a very effective way to stimulate both
your mind and body and to improve your ability to think and concentrate. A
surprising number of students get out of the habit of regular exercise,
ironically because they’re spending so much time prepping for exams. Also,
sedentary people—this is a medical fact—get less oxygen to the blood and
hence to the head than active people. You can live fine with a little less
oxygen; you just can’t think as well.