Symptoms of Test Anxiety
It is normal to feel nervous about an exam. In fact, it is beneficial to be moderately stressed right before the exam. A little tension can give you just the right amount of adrenaline you need to do your best. It can heighten your awareness and sharpen your reflexes, allowing you to perform more quickly. It can even help you recall information you may not have otherwise remembered.
However, if your level of stress rises too high, it can result in insomnia, loss of appetite, and sometimes even hair loss! This can obviously affect your performance on the exam. So how do you know if you suffer from test anxiety? Here is a checklist to see if you may be a little too frazzled…
Test anxiety quiz (don’t stress, it’s a take home!)
(True/False)
- I have trouble sleeping at night and spend those last few minutes before sleep worrying about upcoming exams or projects.
- The day of an exam, I experience drastic appetite changes and either overeat, or skip breakfast and lunch.
- While studying for or taking an exam, I often feel a sense of hopelessness or dread.
- While studying or taking an exam, I have problems concentrating and I sometimes feel bored or tired.
- I often yawn during an exam or while studying.
- During an exam, I often feel confused or panic.
- During an exam, I experience sweaty palms, mental blocks.
- While taking an exam, I sometimes experience headaches, vomiting, or fainting.