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Testing anxiety
Hi everyone! I’m sorry this is off topic and im not sure if this is allowed here so please let me know and I’ll delete it- I was hoping someone could possibly give me advice on how to manage anxiety taking our exams! Every time I go to start it I end up freaking out and get overwhelmed! Thankyou so much in advance and sorry for the off topic discussion!
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7 Replies
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Hi Analeise,
While we do not discuss the CATCH curriculum at Digging Dogs, you aren’t asking about that. You’re looking for some support and ideas to overcome your test anxiety which is a perfectly normal thing. We’re happy to help. Here are some tips for you:
- Feeling anxious is common and doesn’t define your ability to succeed.
- Break down the material into manageable chunks and follow a study plan for better control.
- After each section you study, write down some of the highlights, and be sure to use the practice questions available to you.
- Use deep breathingor short meditation to calm nerves before starting. I like the free Insight Timer meditation app. I searched the word, “Test” and several meditations came up specifically for this.
- Replace negative thoughts like “I can’t do this” with positive affirmations like “I’ve prepared, and I can handle this.”
- Before you start, visualize the process going smoothly, from starting the test to finishing it confidently.
- Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus while studying.
- Focus on answering one question at a time, staying in the present, and avoiding future worries.
- Concentrate on progress, not perfection—learning and growth are what matter.
- Create a calming pre-exam routine, like listening to music or taking a short walk, to get into the right mindset.
I hope these tips bring you some comfort and support. You’ve got this!
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Thankyou so so much that was very helpful!!:)
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Wonderful! Relax and try to enjoy the process.
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I love @catherine words concentrate on progress not perfection! Remember you are learning as well- so have grace with yourself and take breaks! My daughter has the worse anxiety for exams. Even as a young child and now college. It’s so hard on the person experiencing it. I agree with taking notes, and highlighting the key points, and maybe taking a walk before or after.
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Thanks for sharing, @pawsup I’m hopeful others will also jump in and share what works for them! This is a great topic, and applicable to all kinds of stress, from our first client appointments to job interviews and more. Love it.
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I usually take a multiple choice exam slowly and choose try to answer what I can without my notes. Then I go back over it again and refer to notes, homework etc. I find taking your time and relaxing is the best way to think. There is a chemical in the brain that is released through anxiety that prevents us from thinking clearly. Use your time to calmly read the questions and calmly find the answers. Use your common sense too!
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Great tip, @JCongdon and you’re exactly right.
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