Standardized Testing
Standardized testing is a stressful time for many students. Trying to recall a school year’s worth of information first thing in the morning can be difficult. Plus, students are in a different classroom than usual, surrounded by peers they may not know, with the test being given by a teacher they may not know.
Right there are triggers are ADHD, generalized anxiety, testing anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, self-esteem issues, and self-confidence issues. It sounds overwhelming, but there is hope! A few intentional steps can set your loved one on the path to some peace of mind and success.
What You Can Do
- Taking a few deep breaths before starting the test can help. Healthline.com explains that deep breathing causes the body to relax and spread a sense of calm through the brain.
- Counting breaths or counting how long you breathe in and out are two simple deep breathing strategies.
- Getting enough sleep may sound cliché to your student, but the National Institute of Health says that lack of sleep causes issues with learning, making decisions, memory recall and problem solving, focusing, and coping with changes. Those things are all important for taking a test.
Getting Help
Struggling to manage anxiety is common, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact Sound Health Counseling Solutions today to get started on your journey to tackle anxiety!