Take a moment to check how you’re feeling. Notice how comfortable you’ve become. Imagine how much easier it would be if you
could take the test feeling this relaxed and in this state of ease. You’ve coupled the images of your special place with sensations of
comfort and relaxation. You’ve also found a way to become relaxed simply by visualizing your own safe, special place.
Now, close your eyes and start remembering a real-life situation in which you did well on a test. If you can’t come up with one,
remember a situation in 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.
PLAY THE MUSIC
If you want to play music, keep it low and in the background. Music with a regular, mathematical rhythm—reggae, for
example—aids the learning process. A recording of ocean waves is also soothing.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 stress you out. The more you practice it, the more effective the exercise will be for you.
CYBERSTRESS
If you spend a lot of time in cyberspace anyway, do a search for the phrase stress management. There’s a ton of stress
advice on the Net, including material specifically for students.