Many students experience some levels of anxiety during an exam. As the SA1 is approaching, we would like to share with you some strategies to reduce your level of anxiety and boost your performance in the exam.

Test preparation to reduce anxiety:

• Approach the exam with confidence. Use whatever strategies you can to personalize your success: visualization, logic, talking to yourself, practice, team work, journaling, etc.
• View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you've studied and to receive a reward for the studying you've done.
• Have a balance diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often recommended to reduce stress. Stressful foods can include processed foods, artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, eggs, fried foods, red meat, sugar, white flour products, chips and similar snacks, foods containing preservatives or heavy spices.
• Exercise regularly to sharpen your mind and help you relax.
• Prepare well for the exam. Learn your material early and thoroughly. Avoid any last minute revision. Organize the materials you will need for the exam such as Mathematical instruments, calculator, stationery etc. A checklist will be useful.
• Get a good night's sleep the night before the exam.
• Don't go to the exam with an empty stomach.
• Be punctual. Allow yourself plenty of time to do things you need to do before the exam such as going to the washroom, so that you will not panic when you are late.
• Strive for a relaxed state of concentration. Avoid speaking with any student who has not prepared, who express negativity or who will distract your preparation.

During the test:

• Read the instructions carefully.
• Shift your position once in a while to help you relax.
• If you go blank, skip the question and try the next. Don't panic.
• Check your answers carefully. There's no reward for being the first to hand in your papers. Even if other students start to hand in their papers before the time is up, take your time to check through your answers thoroughly.

If you find yourself tensing and getting anxious during the exam,

• Take slow, deep breaths and relax. Don't think about the fear. Instead, focus on the next step and keep on task, step by step.
• Think positively. Expect some anxiety. It's a reminder that you want to do your best and this anxiety can provide you with some positive energy.

After the test :

• Review how you did. List what worked and hold onto these strategies. List what did not work as areas for improvement.

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