Take a few minutes to think about the things you’ve just written down. Then
rewrite them in some sort of order. List the statements you most associate
with your stress and anxiety first and put the least disturbing items last.
Chances are, the top of the list is a fairly accurate description of exactly how
you react to test anxiety, both physically and mentally. The later items usually
describe your fears (disappointing Mom and Dad, looking bad, etc.). As you
write the list, you’re forming a hierarchy of items so you can deal first with the
anxiety provokers that bug you most. Very often, taking care of the major
items from the top of the list goes a long way toward relieving overall testing
anxiety. You probably won’t have to bother with the stuff you placed last.
THINK GOOD THOUGHTS
Create a set of positive but brief affirmations and mentally repeat
them to yourself just before you fall asleep at night. (That’s when your
mind is very open to suggestion.) You’ll find yourself feeling a lot more
positive in the morning.Periodically repeating your affirmations during the day makes them
more effective.Make the Most of Your Prep Time
I always run out of time and get panicky.
I feel as though thinking is becoming like wading through thick mud.