"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy"
 ~Leo Buscaglia

How many of you out there have felt that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach when preparing for or taking a test? Well, if you have, you are not alone!  A little bit of anxiety is fine since it can actually enhance your performance. But, those of us who have an unhealthy fear of failing, probably will fail because it is the stress about taking the exam that causes the failure, not the exam itself. When anxiety hinders our ability to concentrate and complete tasks, it becomes a mental health disorder and should be dealt with in counseling with a certified therapist.

Learning to think in a positive manner is very important in helping us to deal with test anxiety. Try saying to yourself over and over, "I will do well on my exam". Gaining an awareness of how to think in a positive way and learning how to keep thoughts of the exam in perspective decreases apprehension.

Here are a few suggestions that you can use to help alleviate the tension from test anxiety.

Give yourself enough time to prepare, don't save everything for the last minute as it causes needless stress. Above all, don't stay up all night cramming. Relaxation is essential, make sure that you get enough shut eye. Give your brain time to absorb what you studied.
                                                                                                                
If you have a headache from anxiety, give yourself a head massage. Put your fingertips on either side of your head, just above the ears. Massage this spot with small circular motions and move to the top of your head.  Finish by massaging your temple and jaw.

Relaxing exercises like yoga are a great way to ease physical symptoms of test anxiety. You might like to try Qi Gong which is an old Chinese routine for health that decreases tension, anxiety and stress. It consists of a series of gentle movements, meditation and breathing exercises.

Eating right is very important. You need food to nourish your brain cells so that you can concentrate. Take the following vitamins:
  • Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy adrenal gland function. Carrots, tomatoes and apricots are filled with carotene which changes into Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin B Complex strengthens the nervous system and has a soothing effect.
  • Vitamin C is found in fruits such as oranges and vegetables like peppers and Brussels sprouts. It fortifies your immune system and it improves your mood.
Some herbs are beneficial for calming you down they are:
  • Valerian - It might make you sleepy, but it has a calming effect on nerves and allows you to concentrate better. Take a good size dose before your exam.
  • St. Johns Wort is helpful for depression and for those who are extremely afraid of failure.  Use caution, however when ingesting this remedy it makes your skin very sensitive to the sun.
  • Kava Kava contains ingredients that help the central nervous system ease stress, tension and fear, allowing you to complete your test. Do be careful, however when using this as it may slow down your reaction times.  You may also experience difficulty with coordination and balance.
Last but not least are few homeopathic remedies, which have no side effects, that I would like to mention.
  • Argentum Nitricum for test anxiety, as well as the fear of not meeting a deadline.
  • Gelsemium for test anxiety and extreme fear of social situations.


Information on this blog is not intended to take the place of your doctor, mental health therapist, or homeopathic practitioner.  If you are unsure about whether to take a remedy listed here, please consult with your physician.

Remember to eat right, and get enough rest!


References

The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers,
      Pittsburgh, PA.
Robert W. White; The Abnormal Personality, The Ronald Press Co.,
      New York, 1964