Stress and Anxiety

Taking tests often causes stress and anxiety. External stress (like tests) can cause your body to produce adrenaline.  Adrenaline has the following effects on your body:

• more sugar is released into your system for quick energy and strength
• less blood goes to your skin and some of your organs
• nausea or diarrhea can occur
• sitting still or concentrating may be difficult

If you are preparing to take a test and are feeling stressed out, try the following method of stress-reduction.

The 3-Breath Method of Relaxation Breathing

• Get in a comfortable position, spine straight, feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes.
• Concentrate on your body, and notice where there is tension, discomfort or stress.
• Take a deep breath, visualize all your stress, then breathe out.  While breathing out, visualize all the stress leaving your body
• Repeat these steps at least three times.

You can also try it with a different focus for each breath. For example:

• Breath 1: The Past
• Breath 2: The Present
• Breath 3: The Future

Let go of worries in these areas with each breath. You should feel more relaxed and able to concentrate when you finish this exercise.