You have prepared carefully for your Math test. You did enough practice, you understood the concepts, you have discussed techniques with your teacher, you took tutoring to get external help in the areas where you were weak – you feel prepared for the test until the day of the tests, that is.

The test day has come. You have reached your school or the testing center on time and you hear your friends discussing a problem that you are not sure you know properly. You begin to feel nervous and try to think through the steps, but your heart starts racing and you feel that you aren’t prepared enough. At last the bell rings.

Teacher has given out the papers, but you can’t think clearly because you have lost the confidence. You feel that you need to do something fast to bring the focus and your confidence back so that at least you do your best in the areas you know.

Techniques to Handle Test Panic Attack
Read the following techniques you can use when you find yourself in such situations:

Breathe
• Take a few deep breaths. This will reduce your heartbeat to normal and help reduce your stress level.
• Focus on your breathing for a few seconds.
• Concentrate on the test and your goals, and you will slowly find yourself back in control.

Stretch
• Stretch your arms, touch your legs – this will help divert your mind away from the nervousness and will help you regain confidence.
• Treat this as a warm up exercise players do right before their big match.
• Once you feel better, bring your focus back to the test and get ready to do the questions.

Think of the Practice You Have Done
• If you look at the paper and it makes you nervous, think of the practice questions that you have done.
• Think of the effort you have put into the preparation.
• Think of all the questions that you were able to solve during your practice session.
• Think of your achievement and you feel start feeling better and confident already.

Do Easier Questions First
A good way to utilize your time efficiently and feel better about the test is to solve the easier questions first. After answering a few questions, you will have better control of your time and also feel confident that you can conquer the world. Then you can come back to handle the more difficult or longer questions with a renewed confidence.

Keep in mind, you have done all the practice and you are actually prepared for the test. Using these steps you can only relieve momentary tension. You will do well in your test, once you feel better again. Note, it is just a question of being in control and feeling confident.