Pre-test anxiety involves feelings of anxiety before any type of assessment or test, according to the Mayo Clinic. A young person can develop pre-test anxiety in preschool just the same as a grown adult can develop it before a major evaluation for work. Pre-test anxiety is unpleasant and brings negative consequences, and can be addressed through mental and lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
The physical indications of pre-test anxiety include perspiration, stomachaches, increased heart rate, yawning and physical tension, according to Villanova University. Other symptoms include anger, fear and depression. You may be unusually distracted, or may blank out and be unable to remember familiar material. Also, you may have difficulty understanding basic exam questions and maintaining a clear mind.
Causes
Although being under-prepared for a test increases the likeliness that you will suffer from pre-test anxiety, the Mayo Clinic notes that often this stress comes even if someone is well prepared and knows the subject on which they are about to be tested.
The physical changes occur because of your body's "fight or flight" response to the perceived threat, which is the upcoming test. According to the Mayo Clinic, your adrenal glands release hormones that produce the physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and respiratory rate. This adjustment in your nervous system also affects your mind, and alters your cognition.
Mind Relaxation
Dealing with pre-test anxiety involves adjusting your lifestyle and mindset. Positive thinking can actually help your mind function better, according to the American School Counselor Association. Take control of your thoughts, and be alert to damaging negative thought patterns. Avoid negative "what if" questions, and focus on the challenge directly in front of you. Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and prayer.
Physical Preparation
Getting an adequate amount of sleep the days leading up to the test and especially the night before is highly important, and is directly related to the ability to successfully manage pre-test anxiety. Make sure you eat a healthy, adequate breakfast and lunch the day of your test. Exercising helps keep your mind and body feeling refreshed and helps relieve tension.
Seeking Help
Learning to deal with stressful events can be difficult, and it may be helpful to seek the aid of a counselor who can work with you to help you deal with the challenge of anxiety. Your teacher or other counseling staff at the school you attend may be able to work with you, or provide recommendations for other therapists. If you have a learning disability, find the help you need to overcome it and achieve success.
