Managing Test Anxiety

·        Know your material well and prepare thoroughly. 

·        Schedule study time wisely to avoid cramming. 

·        Be familiar with test taking strategies.

·        Learn coping skills for anxiety:

Ø     Rest. 

Ø     Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. 

Ø     Decrease use of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and other substances. 

Ø     Exercise daily.

·        Substitute negative thoughts and feelings with rational, positive statements. 

·        Set reasonable expectations.

·        Seek help if you have difficulty managing excessive anxiety: 

Ø     Tutoring and Academic Assistance Programs: 5-6307

Ø     Student Counseling Center: 5-6716

Ø       Health Services:  5-6693

Relaxation Exercises

·        Tense and hold muscles throughout body for 10 seconds.  Relax and repeat. 

·        Take a deep breath, hold it for 10 seconds.  Exhale through your mouth.  Repeat.

·        Take a deep breath, hold for 10 seconds, and squeeze both hands into tight fists at the same time.  Exhale and relax.  Repeat. 

·        Tense the muscles in your feet for 10 seconds.  Relax and repeat. 

·        Close your eyes and repeat positive affirmations to yourself. 

UI Tutoring and Academic Assistance Programs: 885-6307