7 Ways to Reduce Test Anxiety

Published on: 21 September 2018 Last Updated on: 30 September 2019
Anxiety

Even the very well-prepared students may often experience anxiety before an important test or exam. However, people experience anxiety in different ways – more often than not anxiety during a test may have a significant impact on your final result. But how can you get yourself in a good state of mind and overcome the tension that is bound to bother you before a test? Unfortunately, there is not a 100% guaranteed method to do this, but there are many simple tips and methods which might prove to be great allies in your battle against anxiety. This post sums up seven ways to reduce exam related apprehension, and we sincerely hope that the advice below will help you beat restlessness before your next big exam:

Make Sure to be Well Rested:

Not getting a good night sleep may often increase the chance that you will experience anxiety before an important event – even if it is not an exam. Although studying all night might seem like the better option, in 90% of cases it would be a much better choice to get at least 8 hours of sleep instead of pulling an all-nighter in order to try and memorize some last minute information. Keep in mind that studying while tired is also very inefficient, so you might end up not remembering anything in addition to being extra tired and anxious in the morning.

Don’t Go in Hungry:

In addition to getting good sleep, you should make sure to wake up early enough in order to have time for a well-balanced breakfast. Remember that some people might tell you to focus on sugar-heavy food to get an energy rush, but do not forget that this will be inevitably followed by a crash. Try to have a normal breakfast – oatmeal, milk, and some fruits is usually an excellent choice.

Prepare in Advance:

This advice can be applied to a variety of situations ahead of the big day – prepare all things you need (notes, books, pen & paper) before going to bed so that you will not need to stress with this in the morning. In addition to this, there is no way to skip anxiety unless you are at least somewhat confident that you have prepared properly for the exam. Starting to study for a few weeks in advance is a great way to ensure that anxiety will not bother you when the time of the exam comes.

Be an Early Bird:

Although arriving at the exam hall too early might sound like a tedious task, it will give you time to get used to the environment, and this is bound to help improve your mood as well as to suppress stress, and boost confidence. Being late is terrible, and it is guaranteed to cause restlessness, so it is better to be at the place of the exam as early as possible.

Be Confident In Your Knowledge and Ignore What Others Do:

Many people have confidence issues when it comes to exams, and they attempt to compare their work rate to other people in the room. However, this is a terrible approach, because everyone has a different pace of work and a different way with words – people might need a few hundred words to explain something that can be summarized in fifty words. The fact that you are writing less than the others does not necessarily mean that you lack the knowledge. The best thing to do is to focus on your own work, and ignore what everyone else in the room is up to.

Manage Your Time Well:

Keeping an eye on the clock all the time. This might sound stressful, but it will actually help you reduce anxiety by allowing you to properly allocate your time so that you will have time to do all assigned tasks. Do keep in mind that if time is running out and you are nowhere near done, then it is probably best to begin ignoring the clock and focus on doing as much work as possible in whichever task you feel most confident in.

Remember that Exams Are Not a Matter of Life and Death:

Yes, failing an exam might make you miserable but, however, it is not the end of the world. Almost always there is a chance to redeem yourself, and remembering this is the best way to reduce anxiety. Not only will the thought of a second chance relieve you, but it might also help you perform better on the current exam since you will be more relaxed and confident.

Final Words:

Ideally, you will do your best following all of these tips since combining them is guaranteed to tackle anxiety and help you stay cool, calm and collected during the exam. Do not forget that the most essential advice is in the last paragraph – exams are not the most important thing in the world, and you will always get another chance even if it does not work out the first time.

If you think that you are not able to overcome your test anxiety, not confident enough to reach your goal, not intelligent enough to deal with life’s challenges then you must go for online life changing courses, SAMDA & HMF by Prof. Abdul Samad where people coming from all walks of life are changing their lives in just 1-2 sessions only. Hope to see you successful and happy in your life ahead.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

eat affects

What You Eat Affects Your Productivity

You must have heard someone say “you are what you eat” at some point in your life but have you ever wondered what exactly does it mean? We’re all aware that the food we consume fuels our body, yet we tend to focus only on the long-term effects of our eating habits instead of the short term consequences of the decisions we make during lunchtime. Perhaps, our eating choices have a profound effect on our mental performance and productivity levels throughout the day. But how exactly does FOOD have the power to do that? And how can you control your productivity by watching what you eat? If you want to find the answers to all such question, keep on reading this article and we guarantee a lot of things will become clear to you. The Link Between Food And Productivity Our diets have a much greater impact on our productivity than we realize. In fact, eating the wrong foods at the wrong times can turn your day upside down. Essentially, whatever you eat has a way of making its way to your bloodstream and eventually reaching your brain. This is because almost every food item that we eat is broken down into glucose in our bodies. Glucose is a simple carbohydrate that can easily cross into the bloodstream to fuel our entire body and keep our brain awake. So when our body is short on glucose, like on an empty stomach, our brain finds it hard to concentrate, focus and perform. But since everything we eat is eventually broken down into glucose, what difference does it make if we eat a bowl of vegetable salad or two scoops of ice cream? Well, here’s the thing: the ability of a certain food to fuel our body and brain depends on the rate at which it can release glucose into our blood, also called the glycemic index (GI). Foods with a low glycemic index like oats or healthy salads release glucose slowly yet sustainably in the blood, regulating blood sugar levels and optimizing brain activity. On the other hand, foods with a high GI such as white rice an ice cream rapidly release glucose in the bloodstream, providing a burst of energy which the body can use immediately. However, the downside is that you’ll be left unfocused and distracted only after a few hours of eating. Moreover, starchy and sugary foods with high GI can impact sleep cycles and actually kill productivity. A sudden spike in blood sugar level increases insulin production in the pancreases which, in turn, floods the brain with hormones like serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that also acts as a precursor for the sleep hormone melatonin and regulates circadian rhythms which manage the internal clock of the body and the sleep-wake cycles. Thus, aligning your diet with the circadian rhythms allows you to harness your full potential and make the most of the day. How To Improve Cognitive Performance With Food Now that we have established the link between food and productivity, let’s learn how you can attain a greater mental efficiency by watching your diet and tweaking your lifestyle. Here are some research-based strategies worth giving a try. Watch What You Eat Perhaps, the most important thing you need to do is to keep a check on what you eat. Processed and junk foods spike blood sugars and have a negative relationship with productivity. Instead, make such healthier foods readily available and stack them in plain sight since you’re more likely to eat the first thing you see when you’re hungry. Here are some brain fueling foods you should consider: Fish: A classic brain-food, fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are known to optimize brain function and development and maintain overall energy levels. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has a high content of caffeine that is a well-known concentration booster. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants reduce cell inflammation and prevent cognitive decline. Fruits and vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables have a low glycemic index and hence are excellent brain power foods. Carrots, avocados, and blueberries are some choices you can opt for to increase your brain activity. Don’t Skip Breakfast In a study published by Roy Baumeister in his book, all children in a class were asked to skip breakfast before coming to school. Then, half of them were fed with a healthy breakfast after coming to school and it was observed that these children displayed better learning patterns and behavior than the other lot. When the unfed children were given a healthy snack during mid-day, their performance also improved. This study perfectly depicts the significance of eating proper breakfast every morning so make sure not to skip on this important meal even if you’re running low on time. Have Small Meals Throughout The Day Since unregulated blood sugar levels can suppress productivity, it’s wise not to let your glucose levels hit the bottom throughout the day. Thus, feast on small and frequent meals during the course of the day to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. You can have small portions of meals during lunch and dinner time and supplement them with 2 healthy snacks at mid-day and evening to fuel your brain more efficiently. Plan Your Meals Beforehand Last-minute eating decisions are not always the best ones since you’re more likely to cave in on unhealthy food cravings that are quite an inefficient source of energy. Hence, it’s good to plan your meals before you get hungry so that you don’t make unhealthy food choices later on. You can prepare your weekly meals over the weekend to save time on weekdays and stay away from ordering unhealthy food out of sheer laziness. Or you can order weekly meal sets from healthy food delivery services like ActivEats if you don’t have the time to cook for yourself. Perhaps, the key to productivity is in your own hands and making subtle changes in your lifestyle and eating habits like those mentioned above can be a step closer to achieving maximum productivity. Read Also: Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet Love Who You Are: How To Prevent Eating Disorders

READ MOREDetails
Great Skin

11 Foods You Must Incorporate Into Your Diet for Great Skin

Acne affects up to a whopping 50 million Americans every year. That's already bad news, but the list of skin problems doesn't end there. There's also atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and yes, aging skin. The good news is, you can prevent or at least minimize your risks for such problems. One of these is through using the best skin care products in the market. Another is through seeking the help of skin care experts. At the end of the day though, having great skin has a lot to do with your own personal skin care regimen. That, and loading up on foods proven helpful for skin health. The good news is, Mother Nature has given us access to so many of these foods. We've rounded up 11 of the best foods that can give you that younger, healthier skin you've always wanted. 1. Avocado: Great news, since almost all of us love avocados. We love it so much that the average American eats about seven pounds of it a year! But what's even better aside from its rich and creamy flavor is that it's loaded with great things for the skin. Vitamin A -- check. Vitamin D -- check. Vitamin E-check. All that and more, avocados can give you and your skin. It's more of a question of what it doesn't, really. It's particularly rich in Vitamin E that helps with hydration and overall skin nutrition. It's rich in fats and phytonutrients, giving the fruit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Researchers have also found avocado oil to have collagen-increasing properties. Another study even found it to have potent antimicrobial effects! We can go on and on about avocado's benefits for the skin, but you get the gist. Plenty more reason to gobble up guacamole! 2. Berries: Who doesn't love strawberry or blueberry cheesecake? Here's another great reason to love these fruits: their skin protecting benefits! Plus, there are plenty of other choices, all of which are lip-smacking. There are the goji, blackberry, and raspberry variants. These fruits may be small, but they pack a punch when it comes to dealing with free radicals. They contain loads of antioxidants, helping kill toxic elements that damage cells. They also supply you with a good dose of Vitamin C to boost your skin's collagen levels. Note though that the darker their color, the better they are for your health (and your skin). But helping reduce signs of skin aging (like wrinkles) isn't berries' only benefit. Their ellagic acid content may also have sun-damage protecting features. A separate study even found they may even boost heart health and brain power! Either way, all those are some berry awesome news, don't you think? 3. Broccoli: For the longest time, Broccoli has been a superpower food. After all, its many health benefits are all scientifically-proven. It can help with detoxification, deal with inflammations, and boost Vitamin D levels. What makes it particularly amazing for the skin is its glucoraphanin content. This phytochemical helps repair skin damage and improve overall skin health. It also helps prevent UV damage that can wreak havoc to your skin. When the body converts this into sulforaphane, it can even act as a preventive agent for cancers! That includes skin cancer, as well as breast, colon, and stomach cancers among many others. So, do what your mom told you. Eat your vegetables, particularly these amazing green florets. Speaking of which, here are a few tips to have your kids eat veggies too. 4. Dark Chocolate: Need more reason to indulge in dark chocolate? Well, how about scientific evidence that they're great for your skin? In one study, participants consumed high flavanol cocoa for six to 12 weeks. They reported an increase in their skin's moisturization level. They also said their skin felt thicker, smoother, and all in all, healthier. A separate study also supports other findings on dark cocoa's skin protective properties. The keyword here is dark, so make sure you know your chocolates. It's best you stick to the dark kind that contains at least 70% cocoa. 5. Fatty Fish: What if we told you there's a way on how to have better skin while also boosting heart health? You can also add lower blood pressure to that list. What we're referring to is loading up on fatty fish! There's the rich, buttery, and great-tasting salmon for starters. For meal variation, you can go with herring and mackerel too. Either way, these fishes contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. They may sound quite unhealthy, but it's exactly the opposite. For instance, you need these fatty acids for the health of your skin. They're especially helpful for keeping your skin hydrated and supple. If you don't eat enough of these fats, your skin may end up becoming dry and scaly. Also, omega-3 fats can help with acne management. These fatty acids help minimize inflammation after all. As such, they make a great addition to the list of must-have ingredients for the best diet for acne. Pro Tip: If you have serious breakouts, consider professional skin care services. Check out MyBotoxLA for services such as facials and skin care treatments. 6. Green Tea: Knowing about the many skin benefits of green tea is one way to drink less soda. Unlike soda that's linked to so many health conditions, green tea is far healthier. For starters, this tea boasts high amounts of catechins. It's one of the plant's primary health-beneficial compounds. Studies like this have shown them to have powerful antioxidant functions. As you know by now, antioxidants protect your skin against damage from UV exposure. The sun's UV rays are notorious for premature skin aging, so drinking green tea may help prevent that. Here's another reason: It can help moisturize your skin! In a three-month study, women who drank green tea reported skin health improvements. These include better skin hydration, less roughness, and greater elasticity. A friendly reminder though: You may want to think twice about splashing some milk in your tea. Granted, further studies have yet to answer the question, "Is dairy bad for your skin?". But existing research found that dairy products may further irritate acne. 7. Kale: Kale is much like broccoli, although it's a relatively new addition to superfoods. It delivers pretty much the same benefits, including helping the body's collagen synthesis. That's many thanks to the high Vitamin C content of the vegetable. Plus, a cup of this contains the same amount of absorbable calcium you'll get with one cup of cow milk. That makes it a much better source for calcium, especially if you're worried about dairy and acne. 8. Nuts: We're not saying you should go nuts every time you eat walnuts or almonds. Even only a handful of them can already bring benefits from their high Vitamin E content. They also contain selenium, another powerful antioxidant. All these, plus their zinc and omega-3 fatty content, make nuts a great skin health booster. These nutrients help keep your skin taut and tight by raising collagen levels. Plus, they're great sources of fiber, helping improve bowel movement. 9. Tofu: Have you ever wondered how women from Southeast Asia (like the Japanese), have amazing skin? Well, it may have something to do with their love of tofu, or soy, in general. First off, tofu's rich in calcium, Vitamin E, and protein (for skin cell production and regeneration). It also contains soy isoflavones, which have shown to increase collagen fibers. Another study also reported that isoflavones may reduce skin wrinkling and discoloration. So, consider adding tofu to your diet. It may give you back that youthful, glowing skin you've had in your younger years. 10. Tomatoes: Who doesn't want clearer skin? Almost all, if not everyone wants glowing, smooth skin, and eating more tomatoes may help. One reason is that of these red fruits' lycopene content. You may have heard of this compound's potential cancer-fighting properties. But lycopene has other skin benefits too, thanks to its antioxidant properties. That includes boosting the skin's protection against the sun's damaging UV rays. Furthermore, it helps minimize damage due to UV exposure. Researchers have also found tomatoes to help with skin cell replacement. 11. Watercress: Watercress' leaves may be smaller than your usual greens, but it's packed with skin benefits. It's vitamin-rich, starting with a high Vitamin A content. It also contains three types of Vitamin B, as well as Vitamins C, E, and K. Those vitamins alone make it a great source for antioxidants that help protect the skin. Researchers also say that watercress consumption may even reduce cancer risks. Combining a Healthy Diet with Proper Skin Care for Great Skin: These are only 11 of the superfoods you should stock up on to have great skin. But, they're some of the best ones that you should incorporate in your healthy meals ASAP. Don't forget that personal hygiene and proper skin care also affect skin health! So, be sure you combine all three for that glorious looking skin. Of course, it also doesn't hurt to visit skin care specialists from time to time. Want more insider info on health, fitness, and food? Then make sure you pay our blog's Lifestyle section a visit! Read Also: Foods To Eat On A Low-Carb Ketogenic Diet 10 Foods For Vibrant, Glowing And Younger Skin

READ MOREDetails
A Guide To Different Types Of Dental Implants

Radiant Smiles: A Guide To Different Types Of Dental Implants

The saying "Smile, and the world smiles with you" may hold true, but for some, smiling is not as easy as it sounds. It is especially true for those with missing teeth or dental problems. Fortunately, dental implants have become a popular and effective way to restore a healthy and radiant smile. This post will discuss the different types of dental implants available. Whether you are considering dental implants for functional or cosmetic reasons, this guide will provide the information you need to make an informed decision. What Is A Dental Implant? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots of titanium surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are one of the most popular and effective options for replacing missing teeth. Its primary purpose is to provide a durable and stable replacement tooth or bridge base. Unlike dentures, which can slip or shift in the mouth, implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, providing a more natural and comfortable fit. Dental implants can also improve speech, prevent bone loss in the jaw, and restore facial structure that may have been lost due to missing teeth. Dental Implant System Dental implants are made of titanium and act as artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone where the natural tooth root used to be. Once implanted, they fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration, creating a durable and stable foundation for a replacement tooth or bridge. A dental implant comprises three main components: the implant body or fixture, the abutment, and the crown. The implant body or fixture is the portion of the implant that is surgically placed into the jawbone. It is typically cylindrical and has small threads or ridges on the surface to aid in fusion with the bone. The abutment is the connector piece that attaches to the implant body and protrudes above the gumline. It supports the dental crown, the visible portion of the implant system that resembles a natural tooth. The dental crown is custom-made to match the surrounding teeth' size, shape, and colour for a natural-looking replacement for the missing tooth. Dental Implant Types When it comes to dental implants, there are two main types: endosteal dental implants and subperiosteal dental implants. Other types include zygomatic and mini. Endosteal Dental Implants Endosteal dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone as an artificial tooth root. These implants are typically titanium and shaped like small screws or cylinders. They are suitable for patients with healthy jawbones and are the preferred option for many dentists due to their durability and longevity. Read Also: Choosing The Best Dental Care In Gramercy Subperiosteal Dental Implants Subperiosteal dental implants can be for patients who do not have enough healthy bone in their jaws to support traditional implants. Instead of being placed into the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed on the bone and under the gumline. Subperiosteal implants consist of a metal frame custom-fitted to the patient's jawbone. While subperiosteal implants may be a good solution for patients with bone loss, they may not be as durable or long-lasting. Zygomatic Dental Implants Zygomatic Dental Implants are longer and anchored into the cheekbone, the zygoma bone. These implants are typically used for patients with severe bone loss in their upper jaw. Zygomatic implants provide a stable foundation for a fixed denture or bridge and can last many years with proper care. Mini Dental Implants Mini Dental Implants, also known as narrow-diameter implants, are smaller than traditional implants. They are typically used to support lower arch dentures or to replace small teeth. Mini implants are often less invasive than traditional implants and require less healing time. However, they may only be suitable for some patients and not as durable as larger implants. Dental implants can also be classified on the number of missing teeth: Single Tooth Dental Implants These are used when only one tooth is missing. The implant is placed into the jawbone, and a crown is attached once it fuses with the bone. Multiple Tooth Dental Implants When more than one tooth is missing, multiple-tooth dental implants are used. This process involves placing two or more implants in the jawbone and attaching a bridge or individual crowns to the implants. The result is a secure, long-lasting solution for multiple missing teeth. All-On-4 Dental Implants For those missing most or all of their teeth, the All-on-4 dental implant technique can be a game-changer. This process involves using four implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. The implants are strategically placed in the jawbone to support the new teeth. Implant-Assisted Dentures Implant-assisted dentures are similar to traditional dentures but are supported by dental implants instead of resting directly on the gums. It provides greater stability and prevents slipping or shifting of the dentures. Implant-Supported Bridges An implant-supported bridge replaces multiple missing teeth. Like multiple-tooth dental implants, this process involves placing implants in the jawbone, but instead of attaching individual crowns, a bridge is attached to the implants. Takeaway: Overall Benefits Of Dental Implants Dental implants provide numerous benefits for those with missing or damaged teeth. They provide a more natural and comfortable fit than traditional dentures, preventing slippage or shifting in the mouth. Implants can also improve speech, prevent bone loss in the jaw, and restore facial structure lost due to missing teeth. With the various types of dental implants available, patients can choose an option that best suits their specific needs. Whether it's a single-tooth implant, multiple-tooth implant, All-on-4 technique, implant-assisted dentures, or implant-supported bridges, dental implants can be a long-lasting and effective solution for restoring a healthy and radiant smile. Read Also: Is Medical/Dental Instruments A Good Career Path Essential Things to Consider Before Getting Dental Implants Dental Health: 6 Essential Dental Care Tips You Need to Know

READ MOREDetails