Test Anxiety

QUESTION: How do I cope with test anxiety?

ANSWER:

How do I cope with test anxiety? Do not panic; everyone in life has had to face a test, whether formal or informal. Many people have had the jitters or felt anxious when exams approach. This may be of personal concern to you because you do not want your anxious feelings to affect your ability on the test.

What is causing your anxious feelings?

• Did you prepare or study sufficiently?
  
  
• Did your teacher or lecturer effectively delivery the subject matter?
  
  
• Are your family expectations and/or personal expectations more of a source of distress rather than encouragement?

All these may be legitimate reasons for your uneasiness. However, is the energy spent being anxious assisting your overall preparation for the test and maintenance of a sound peace of mind? How can I feel less anxious and therefore cope with test anxiety?

• Use your thoughts productively.
  
  
• Make a realistic study plan based on how much time you have. Then, work the plan.
  
  
• Reduce physical tension.
  
  
• Try an activity you enjoy. The relaxed feeling and renewed energy you will gain will help you maximize the time you will later spend in studying for the test.
  
  
• Reflect and renovate.

You can cope with test anxiety if you take the necessary steps to avoid situations that bring on the anxiety. Reflect on these questions:

Am I trying to accomplish too many activities while preparing for exams?

Am I reviewing my notes regularly or only when exams approach?

Do I have unrealistic expectations of myself? Am I setting the bar beyond what I am reasonably capable of at this time?

As you reflect on these questions, you can renovate your life by making the necessary changes that would reduce the possibility of test anxiety.

Philippians 4:6-7 addresses how to handle anxiety: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

God already knows there are situations that will fuel anxious feelings. Despite this, He warns us not to be anxious. He does not say this because He is being unrealistic. He knows that anxiety can cause mental distress as well as physical disease.

As you cope with test anxiety you should not do it alone. Call on God for help. Lay the situation before Him. You may be thinking He has no time for such simple matters as a test. If so, then reread the passage above. It says,". . .but in everything by prayer. . ." That covers test anxiety.

You can be thankful even before you get the answer because you are putting your situation into the hands of the Almighty God. Relax in Him. God will give you peace.