20 Jan Feeling SAT or ACT Anxiety? Here’s Help.
Anxiety is an incredibly common issue for students preparing for the SAT or ACT. These exams can be stressful and intimidating, and it’s perfectly natural to feel anxious in the face of such a major challenge.
Fortunately, there are several things that students can do to manage their anxiety and keep it from getting in the way of their test preparation and performance. Here are a few tips to help you manage your anxiety:
- Identify the sources of your anxiety. Sometimes, anxiety can be caused by specific worries or concerns. Identifying the specific things that are causing you to feel anxious can help you to address these concerns and find ways to cope with them.
- Practice relaxation techniques. There are many different techniques that can help reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation. Try out different strategies to find ones that work for you, and practice them regularly to help calm your mind and body.
- Get plenty of nutritious food, rest, and exercise. Good physical health can have a massive impact on your mental health, and can help reduce anxiety. Make sure to eat well and get enough sleep and regular exercise to help keep your body and mind in top shape.
- Seek support from others. It’s important to have a network of friends, family, and teachers who can provide encouragement and help when you need it. Talk to them about your concerns and let them know how they can help.
- Do what you can to be prepared. This is a big one! Anxiety often comes from fearing the unknown – the more you know, and the more practice and exposure you get, the better.
- Remember that it’s normal to feel anxious. It’s important to remember that anxiety is a natural response to a challenging situation, and that it’s okay to feel anxious about the SAT or ACT. Remind yourself that many other students are feeling the exact same way.
- Put things in perspective. You can almost always take the SAT or ACT again, and most schools are interested in your highest scores. Consider signing up for a few test dates to relieve any pressure you may feel now and especially on test day.
In short, managing anxiety when preparing for and taking the SAT or ACT is an important part of the test-taking process. By employing these strategies, you can curb your anxiety and focus on achieving your best scores.