How do you release exam anxiety?

Asked by: Carolina Flatley DDS  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (46 votes)

To help you stay calm and confident right before and during the test, do relaxation techniques. These include deep breathing, tensing then relaxing your muscles one at a time, or closing your eyes and imagining a positive outcome. Practice these methods daily so they feel like a habit when test day comes.

How do you relieve exam anxiety?

How Can I Overcome Test Anxiety?
  • Start studying the day the teacher first says there will be an exam. ...
  • Schedule study time. ...
  • Focus on smaller chunks of material during study sessions so they're easier to handle.
  • Ask someone in the class if you can study together to keep you on track.
  • Try breathing exercises to relax.

How to destress from exams?

As exam season quickly approaches, here are seven strategies that will help you cope with stress and anxiety:
  1. Eat Properly. ...
  2. Sleep Well. ...
  3. Exercise. ...
  4. Distract Strategies. ...
  5. Positive Thoughts or Cheerleading Statements. ...
  6. Relaxation Techniques. ...
  7. Talk to someone.

How to help someone with exam anxiety?

Supporting someone through exams
  1. Make sure your child eats well. A balanced diet is vital for your child's health and can help them to feel well during exam periods. ...
  2. Help your child get enough sleep. ...
  3. Talk about exam nerves. ...
  4. Encourage physical activity during exams. ...
  5. Do not add to the pressure. ...
  6. Make time for treats.

How do you relax for exam anxiety?

Mindfulness and breathing techniques for exam stress
  • Inhale through your nose gently for two seconds.
  • Hold your breath in for one second.
  • Breathe out through your mouth slowly for four seconds.
  • Repeat for one minute (or longer if you like) and you should feel a difference in your mood!

Conquering exam stress: lessons from our bodies

30 related questions found

How do I let go of test anxiety?

Learn relaxation techniques.

These include deep breathing, tensing then relaxing your muscles one at a time, or closing your eyes and imagining a positive outcome. Practice these methods daily so they feel like a habit when test day comes.

How do I calm myself down from anxiety?

Here are seven strategies she uses to help manage anxiety in the moment — and why they work to relieve stress.
  1. Diaphragmatic breathing. ...
  2. Simple stretches. ...
  3. Use your words. ...
  4. Guided imagery. ...
  5. Change your language. ...
  6. Lose yourself in music. ...
  7. Make a new playlist. ...
  8. 12 things to know about alcohol and cancer.

How to stay calm during an exam?

Relax yourself during the exam.

If you're feeling anxious or are not thinking clearly, just stop, close your eyes, and take several slow, deep breaths. Concentrate only on your breathing for a minute or so and then return to the exam paper. Taking a minute to calm yourself and refocus is time well spent.

How to reduce stress and anxiety?

What you can do to address stress
  1. Be active. ...
  2. Take control. ...
  3. Connect with people. ...
  4. Have some "me time" ...
  5. Challenge yourself. ...
  6. Avoid unhealthy habits. ...
  7. Help other people. ...
  8. Work smarter, not harder.

How to overcome exam phobia?

Here are some ways you can manage and overcome test anxiety.
  1. Get a head start. Start studying for your exams as early as possible. ...
  2. Change the narrative. ...
  3. Prioritize taking care of yourself. ...
  4. Arrive early. ...
  5. Use calming techniques. ...
  6. Avoid comparisons. ...
  7. Set a timeline. ...
  8. Allow yourself to relinquish control.

How do I stop freaking out about exams?

Top tips to manage exam anxiety
  1. Prepare as best you can. ...
  2. Take care of your body for a healthy mind. ...
  3. Learn to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety. ...
  4. Make stress work for you by reframing your thoughts. ...
  5. Be your own motivational coach. ...
  6. Connect with supportive people.

What medication is used for exam anxiety?

If they are more than a week away, however, you might find that it is better to start propranolol to reduce your symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking or sweating. Most people take exams as normal while taking propranolol, but if you have any concerns, discuss this with your doctor.

Is exam anxiety normal?

Exam or test anxiety is defined as a common and often normal stress reaction experienced before, during and sometimes after exams. Exam anxiety presents an issue when it is intense, continues over time and impedes academic performance.

How to get rid of exam stress?

Managing exam stress
  1. Keep a routine and take regular breaks. It's important to have regular study breaks and make time for relaxation and exercise. ...
  2. Limit caffeine. ...
  3. Manage expectations. ...
  4. Look after yourself. ...
  5. Ask for and accept support. ...
  6. Options for the future. ...
  7. Leave the stress in the exam hall.

What is a common symptom of test anxiety?

Physical symptoms can range from increased heart rate, sweating, dry mouth, to shaking, fainting, panic attacks, vomiting and nausea. Cognitive and behavioral symptoms can include negative self-talk and cognitive distortions that lead students to avoid studying or testing situations.

When taking a test, you should answer?

Answer the questions that you know first and save the difficult questions for later. You can boost your self-efficacy by starting with material that you know. You also want to get credit for everything you know and not run out of time. Are multiple-choice tests easier that essay tests?

How to relax your mind?

Relaxing the mind
  1. Take slow, deep breaths. Or try other breathing exercises for relaxation.
  2. Soak in a warm bath.
  3. Listen to soothing music.
  4. Practice mindful meditation. The goal of mindful meditation is to focus your attention on things that are happening right now in the present moment. ...
  5. Write. ...
  6. Use guided imagery.

How to stop excessive worrying?

Steps and strategies to tackle your worries
  1. Write them down. ...
  2. Set aside 'worry time' ...
  3. Do not dwell during the day. ...
  4. Use the 'worry tree' ...
  5. Make a plan – and carry it out. ...
  6. Accept the worries you cannot control and move on. ...
  7. Focus on the present.

How to get rid of test anxiety?

The following are strategies to help you reduce test anxiety:
  1. Preparation. Part of preparation is developing good study habits. ...
  2. Time Management. ...
  3. Reflect on past successes. ...
  4. Develop a routine. ...
  5. Embrace behavioral relaxation techniques. ...
  6. Maintain a realistic viewpoint. ...
  7. Remain focused. ...
  8. Rest.

How do I calm myself down?

How to Calm Down Fast
  1. Just breathe. Breathing seems like the most natural thing in the world. ...
  2. Close your eyes and count to 10 slowly. It really works! ...
  3. Chew a piece of gum. ...
  4. Phone a friend – preferably a funny one. ...
  5. Smell lavender. ...
  6. Curl up with your cat or dog. ...
  7. Listen to calming music. ...
  8. Exercise your body.

How to not rush on a test?

Before you begin the test, take a few slow, deep breaths to relax your body. Begin by thoroughly reading all of the directions so you are confident in what they are asking you to do. Give yourself enough time on each section so that you are not forced to rush in order to finish on time.

What pill helps anxiety immediately?

Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour. That makes them very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode.

How to quieten the mind?

How to Quiet Your Mind
  1. 1/14. Breathe. We do this all the time, but to use your breathing to find stillness, be more careful and conscious about it. ...
  2. 2/14. Watch Fish Swim. ...
  3. 3/14. Exercise. ...
  4. 4/14. Listen to Music. ...
  5. 5/14. Help Someone. ...
  6. 6/14. Go Outdoors. ...
  7. 7/14. Progressive Muscle Relaxation. ...
  8. 8/14. Hang Out With a Dog.