When Test Anxiety Upsets Your Stomach

For people who suffer from test anxiety, what begins as butterflies-in-the-stomach often evolves into an uncomfortable and disturbing array of digestive symptoms including nausea, gas, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. If test anxiety causes you to spend more time running toward the bathroom than getting ready for the test, here's what you need to know:

Stay away from alcohol. At first, a glass or two of wine or some other type of alcohol may seem like a good idea. As a depressant, alcohol will momentarily calm your nerves. But it can also aggravate your digestive process and cause you to feel less "balanced" once its effect wears off.

Avoid excess caffeine. If you need a morning cup of coffee to get going, don't worry - one small cup of coffee won't send you over the edge. However, too much caffeine can interfere with your concentration (making you more jittery) and send your digestive symptoms into overdrive. If you have a history of test anxiety, the morning of the test is not the time to load up on your favorite caffeinated drink.

Consider an antacid. A nervous stomach produces too much acid, causing that "sour stomach" feeling. An over-the-counter antacid may relieve the discomfort, and may also help to reduce gas and bloating. Make sure to check with your physician before taking antacids regularly, especially if you take other prescription medications. Antacids can interact with certain vitamins and prescription drugs.

Brew some tea. Herbal tea, that is. Herbs like peppermint, chamomile, ginger, and licorice have been shown to reduce indigestion and have a calming effect. While the tea itself can be helpful, you will find the most benefit if you adopt your own anti-anxiety tea-drinking ritual. As the tea brews, turn your mind toward positive thoughts about the test. Picture yourself taking the test calmly and successfully. Perhaps you might want to sit down with your tea in a favorite chair and read a good book or do some other quiet activity that you enjoy. You may find that this tea-drinking ritual becomes a regular way to unwind and let go of stress.

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