A few Tips to decrease Anxiety before Examination

Cold, clammy skin? That's anxiety waiting to unleashing itself. Patients feel anxious when going through routine medical exams, even if they've had these examinations many times. Much can be said about students taking examinations as well. Many students suffer from some form of "test anxiety" from butterflies in the stomach, to sweaty palms, to nausea and even vomiting! This anxiety is the, the result of fear of the exam itself, creates the dread long before test is actually taken, and can cause many students to fail regardless of their PROFF preparation.

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension that is commonly felt by students who are about to take major exams - including medical students. In fact, the academic examinations that medical students take are so numerous that anxiety is somewhat a constant company they keep. With the three-hour Exam that will determine whether you forge ahead or stay behind for a while, anxiety, especially test anxiety, is but a common emotion for many.

Before the examination date:

Get a good night sleep:
You have prepared well for the Exam and you need a well-rested mind and body before the examination day in order for the stock knowledge you have gained from your reviews to be readily available to you during the examination. When you are all-wired up because of tension or anxiety, especially if you went out with friends prior to the examination day, chances are, your brain is not tuned in enough to answer the tough questions you will encounter.. It is better to finish a tough exam before you start to party. Rather than staying out late, spend the day before your exam doing something both restful and relaxing.

Never go through an academic examination with an empty stomach:
As medical students, you already know what the food does to the brain - this does not need any explanation. Unless you want to nibble your pencil eraser as your sustenance for the next three-hours, make sure you've eaten enough to last for a grueling test.

Use positive reinforcement for yourself:
Avoid listening to students or colleagues you know did not prepare well for the examination. They will air their anxiety and most likely this anxiety will be rub off on you, making you more tense than is desirable for optimal test-day performance.

During the actual examination time:

Read the directions carefully.

If you go blank on an a certain test question, leave it for the now and go back to it after answering the next questions or until the end of the section.

Use relaxation techniques, like changing the way you sit - the movement increases the circulation, which will make you more alert.

If you feel like you are feeling anxious, take a deep breath and relax. Think about what should be done or what is your answer is instead of thinking what would happen if you fail.

Do not panic if some of your fellow test takers are leaving the exam room before, still take your time. There is no reward on the person who finishes first.

There are many factors that will affect your performance on the Exam - this includes the anxiety and stress you feel the few hours before the examination time and during the exam. No matter how prepared you are to answer the actual question, you must also prepare yourself to deal with thoughts and fears that lead to test anxiety.