How to Conquer Test Stress

10 Steps to Making the Grade

We've all experienced it-that suffocating feeling, the sweaty palms, the faster heart beat that seems to be pounding in your ears. No, I'm not talking about your first kiss, I'm talking about-gasp! A test! Yes, tests can be scary. More than likely you've had nightmares at some point in your life where you were given a pop test you were unprepared for. But read and follow these 10 simple steps and you won't have to feel that way again.

1) Know what you're being tested on and learn strategies for answering each question format. It's simple, but often overlooked! This information is readily available online for most standardized tests. For tests in a school or college setting, pay attention to how your teacher asks questions and the types of questions in the book.

2) Study the material in an environment that is physiologically similar to the testing environment. For example, if you tend to have moderately high test anxiety, studying while moderately exercising may be a helpful tool. Studies have shown that your brain programs your memories within the context that you "record" it.

3) Take breaks- small ones for a limited time and use them wisely for things that will keep your mind active. Relax, but don't let your brain slip into laziness. Tip: Using your break to do push-ups or running in place can actually help increase your mental capacity for complex thought.

4) Drink water. It's simple, but true. Your brain relies on plain old H20 for all of it's chemical reactions, and memories require chemical reactions. So, make sure you're well hydrated. Using your study break to fill up your water bottle can be a great use of your mental break. For times when you feel slightly burned out on studying, take a minute or two, chug some water, breath, and get back in there.

5) Don't wait until the last minute to study. Study well ahead of time and study consistently.