The information below is not meant to be a substitute for counselling services. If exam anxiety is a serious problem for you we recommend that you call 457-6567 to make an appointment with a professional counsellor. The university offers free counselling services to all Mount students.
A certain amount of anxiety during exams is normal and can actually help you by making you more alert. Stress can pump you up and increase your attention level. Too much stress, however, can make it harder to concentrate. Students perform at optimum levels when stress is moderate. Many students can control their anxiety with a few simple techniques.
1. Thought stopping
Shift your attention and concentration back to the task on hand by mentally yelling "Stop" and moving those worrying thoughts into the background.
2. Breathe
Simple deep breathing is another way to combat anxiety. Relax and concentrate on your breath flowing in and out. Five deep breaths can actually calm you down and no one will even know that you are doing this.
3. Think positive
Instead of being hard on yourself if you don't know the right answer give yourself some encouragement. Thinking negatively won't make the answer come to you, but it may make you more anxious.
4. Consider the worst scenario
Think about the very worst thing that could happen. "I'll fail, get kicked out of school, be poor, and live on the street." Soon you will see that it is not as bad as you think once you put it into perspective.
5. Tense and relax
If you notice your muscles are tensing up, try tightening them and then relaxing them.