Test Taking Anxiety

Have you ever experienced test taking anxiety? For many people, taking an exam is very high on among life’s many challenges. Those who suffer extreme test anxiety, though find that the exam becomes both a physical as well as mental ordeal.

Increased by a fear of failure, the most typical symptoms of test anxiety can include- headaches, tightness in the chest, lower-back pain, tense neck muscles, shallow breathing, and even teeth grinding.

These chronic conditions can have long range effects on the person, and of course, a little anxiety before a test is normal, and some people have discovered that a little apprehension actually enhances the test performance.

However, extreme stress and fear of failure can lead to mental blocks and have an overwhelming effect. Learning to think positive and keep the test in perspective can lower tension. Trying relaxation exercise, rest, and herbal remedies to decrease the emotional pressure resulting from the anxiety.

Valerian- can be helpful getting ready for a test. It can cause drowsiness in some but more often it simply helps soothe the nerves by providing a sense of calm and can help improve retention of information. A high dosage of valerian is recommended to have the calming effect before a test.

St John’s Wort- can help those who experience depression before a test due to failure. This medicinal plant has an antidepressant effect when taken for a while.

Kava-Kava root- has more than 15 compounds that work directly on the nervous system to help ease anxiety and promotes relaxation.

Stay away from caffeine as it can intensify the anxiety and sometimes triggers panic attacks. It is a good idea to avoid tea, coffee,cola, and any other caffeinated drinks before taking a test.