Tips for anxiety and butterflies

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Jul 5, 2006

I do well on exam, but mannnnnn I get terrible physical test anxiety. My gut stays in knots and I usually have to get up and leave a test a couple times because of the butterflies, peristalsis and borborygmy. (i'm throwin out some of my vocab there ;-) ) I've considered beta blockers, but never did it... and I take the NCLEX thursday so too late in the game for that.
Does anyone have any suggestions for ways to tame this? I've tried meditation, "finding my happy place" - no real luck yet.
On a side note, what about eating choices before the test? Should I do calming carbs (but make me sleepy) or protein? I know everyone's body is different, but I always think about something a professor told me once - that when there is food in your stomach the blood is there instead of your brain... and i need all the brain power i can get.
Anyway, there seem to be a lot of cool folk here. I look forward to getting to know you all better as a nurse (hopefully!! :-) )
Thanks in advance for your suggestions - how do i calm those butterflies, and what should I eat!
storm

First of all I would like to say GOOD LUCK!! You will be taking the test on my birthday hehehe That's something I would like to know too! What to eat!!! I'm taking my exam next thursday so im still practining questions and reviewing content. Though lately I get nauseous really easily...due to alot of stress ive been going through and anxiety (though I don't have major test anxiety). What do I do if I'm nauseous before the exam????? :uhoh3: Good luck!! I'm sure you'll pass!!!!

LoriAlabamaRN · Jul 5, 2006

There's an over the counter product called Relacor that was originally marketed as a diet pill because stress can cause abdominal fat to accumulate. Now it's being marketed for its stress-relieving qualities as well. I find that it does really help to ease some of the anxiety. If you want to try it, I'd try it first a couple of days before the exam just to make sure that it doesn't have any unpleasent side effects for you.

ashla1121 · Jul 5, 2006

I take mine tomorrow too... and also was wondering what to eat beforehand. I'm thinking eggs and a bagel or toast. At least I'll get a mix of protein and carbs. I'm also thinking about snacking (on something healthy) on the way to the testing center since it's an hour drive. Any suggestions?

25 hours to go! Good luck to you tomorrow! We can do it!

healer27 · Jul 5, 2006

Hi Stormwine,

I don't have any tips for helping to calm your stomach or knowing what to eat; but I can sympathize with you. The morning of my final exam this past year before graduation; I couldn't eat my stomach was so wound up and I literally felt nauseous. I brought a cereal bar with me and when I got to school, and had calmed down a little more I was able to get that down before the test.

I too am taking my NCLEX tomorrow in the p.m. I'll see how I feel but I'll probably just try to make myself eat a little cereal in the a.m. and then maybe a yogurt before I leave. I usually drink coffee but I think I'm going to skip it tomorrow because sometime it makes me to jittterrryy and unable to focus.

Well, Best of LUCK TO YOU and all others who are taking the test tomorrow!! I don't know about you but I'm so sick of studying that I just feel that I'm as ready as I'm going to be and will be glad to get it over with. Best wishes again! :heartbeat

stormwine · Jul 5, 2006

Thanks for the support all. And Ashla, thanks for the countdown! I have a 2 hour drive tomorrow to get to my test site because all the sites around me were booked. My test isn't until 3pm and one of the things I'm struggling with is that my FAVORITE Indian restaurant in a couple miles from the test site. I sooo want to go there for lunch, but I'm wondering how it will sit with me. :-)

30 hours to go for me. Wow, I get butterflies just thinking about it.

I think I'll have eggs and whole wheat toast for breakfast and take Luna bars for snacks.

Good luck all!

storm

rninme · Jul 5, 2006

Eat SOMETHING before you test....hypoglycemia isn't going to help your thought-process!!

Good luck to all of you!

vpal2socal · Jul 5, 2006

Peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches are the best... you have your protein, a few carbs from some nice whole wheat bread, and a great sugar from the jelly. There isn't too much digesting that takes place with creamy peanut butter and jelly... I defintely started every clinical day with this for my breakfast!

As far as like, mind tricks... I would suggest maybe sitting at your computer right before you test. Whether you're religious or not... folding your hands over your heart and setting your intention. "I intend to pass (duh)." Or a simple mantra like, "I am a vessel of knowledge and there is no question that can make me feel empty." Silly things like that!! Defintely some amazing breathing techniques during the test. Be aware of your breathing... where your mind is. Let go of any 'gripping'... notice the night before if you're gripping to any worries and let - them - go. Be aware of your thoughts during the test... if you get worried... remind yourself of your intention. Feeling centered and balanced is your BIRTHRIGHT. believe it.