One-Minute Guide to Test Anxiety Symptoms

Test anxiety can impact your ability to concentrate and perform well on exams. If you only have a minute, this short article covers the symptoms of test anxiety: Faster heart rate and "jittery" feeling. These symptoms are part of the initial biological response when you become anxious about a test. They may help you think faster but not necessarily better, and may make it difficult to concentrate.

Fast, shallow breathing. Test anxiety may cause you, to start taking short, shallow breaths that don't completely fill your lungs with air. (You may not even realize it.) Over time this can reduce your ability to concentrate and will increase your anxiety. Try to take several deep breaths periodically, and make a point of inhaling and exhaling as long as possible.

Dry mouth and sweaty hands. The adrenaline that causes you to feel jittery before a test will also dry out your mouth and cause you to sweat. Take sips from a water bottle throughout the test to moisten your mouth, and keep some napkins or a small towel with you to dry off your hands.

Tummy troubles. If you have test anxiety, you may also have nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. These symptoms can be very aggravating in a test situation. The best way to control them is to eat light, nutritious meals and stay away from fatty or heavy foods.

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