While it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous before a test, some learners experience a type of performance anxiety that can affect their ability to function on testing day. Racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, or feelings of dread can combine with physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat, headache, or nausea. Below we have listed a few ideas to help you deal with testing anxiety:
- Be prepared
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Fuel up
- Have a positive attitude
- Take your time and read carefully
- Remind yourself of past successes. You can do it!
- Visualize completing the test successfully despite your anxiety