Test taking realxation techniques

Nursing Students Student Assist

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Specializes in Hospice & Geriatrics.

Hi everyone,

With school getting ready to start up for me at full speed I wander what others do to relax before preparing for a test.

I have my traditions like getting to school 30 minutes early sitting in one of the empty classrooms with my CD player and I listen to my panpipes CD or the sound of the ocean and kinda meditate as my classmates call it I woo-saw~~ I make sure NOT to talk to anyone who is discussing test stuff I find the more ppl talk the more my mind races and I get stressed :uhoh3:. When I sit down at the computer I put my earplugs in and that is where they stay til I push the submit button on my computer :typing.

So what do you do to "steady" your nerves before a test.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Medsurg.

I dont study the night before the test. I go to bed early, meet the girls for breakfast in case any of us had any "a-ha!!" moments to discuss and we get to the test 5 minutes before it starts. Like you, I will NOT be a part of the stress party that occurs at the school before every test. While they are handing out the scantrons and the test, I take a few deep breaths, turn and give my friends a "Go for it, you know this stuff" and begin. It's worked so far, LOL

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Specializes in LTC.

Deep breathing and isolation. I do meet up with one friend because she struggles a bit, and I quiz her on items for 20 minutes. Once we go into the classroom, if the tension level is high I leave the room, and sit by myself until 5 minutes before it starts.

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Specializes in Hospice & Geriatrics.

WOW you still get scantrons? I think my stress level would be knocked down 3 notches if we still had written tests all of our tests are on the computer answer the question and submit you can't go back and revisit any question all I can say is WOW how lucky you are!

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I think the key is to refrain from any right before stress outs that alot of students do in my class. They all go in and blurt out anything and everything they think they know..... it seems like you have a great technique. I usually dont study late the night before the test. I have a nice dinner and go to bed. I just tell myself what I dont know now I will not know it tommorow so why stress. I do look over my notes during breakfast just as a refresher. Other than that I take a deep breath, say alittle prayer and fill in the blanks and hope for the best...

Amanda T.- Elseveier Student Ambassador

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HI

I've only had a few exams so far, but this is what I've done, and it has made me relax a little.

Get to bed early the night before, make sure my bag is packed ect.

Get up early, have a good amount of time to get ready.

Head to maccas for breakfast. I look over my notes then and try not to stress out too much.

I do arrive at uni about 40mins before exam, have a little chat to friends and then head to the exam room early so I get a spot at the front - makes for a easy exit.

I'm sure you'll find the best way to relax, and when you do exams will be a little easier.

Good luck, Zoe

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Medsurg.
WOW you still get scantrons? I think my stress level would be knocked down 3 notches if we still had written tests all of our tests are on the computer answer the question and submit you can't go back and revisit any question all I can say is WOW how lucky you are!

Yes, I go to an archeic school LOL. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side because I HATE the scantrons and for some reason alwyas do better on computer testing. We have had 2 or 3 on the computer and maybe its psychological but they just seem easier. Who knows. lol

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Test anxiety can start during studying for a test. If you do the relaxation techniques often - like before studying, before doing assignments, before taking practice NCLEX questions, etc. you will have trained your mind on how to relax during a test or any situation for that matter. You Can Do It!

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Aromatherapy. I'm a big fan of those aromatherapy roll-ons at Bath & Body Works (I have 6 of them, but ones that are nice for tests are Instant Comfort (vanilla), Stress Relief (eucalyptus and spearmint), Mental Clarity (forgot what's in that one lol) and sometimes Headache Relief (peppermint!). And this is going to sound silly but I think this technique works great...imagine you have a nose at the center of your chest and imagine breathing in through your nose and breathing out through your "nose" at the center of your chest - it really helps with calming your nerves and "centering yourself" - I don't know why, but it works for me! :)

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Specializes in ICU.
Hi everyone,

With school getting ready to start up for me at full speed I wander what others do to relax before preparing for a test.

About 4mg of Versed should take the edge off!:D

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I don't study any the day of a test. I basically get into my test taking zone and i don't stress by taking a f***it attitude. If you don't know it by now, you're not going to get the material by cramming trivia at the last minute.

Now afterwards, alcohol is a good stress relief!

C

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

To relax: I would never study the night before. I'd also listen to upbeat songs and think positive thoughts as I drove into school.

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