Anxiety: What is it?
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Anxiety is a natural human response to a threatening situation.
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Anxiety is a form of the "fight-or-flight" response. The body and mind become aroused and alert to prepare for attack or to escape from a threat.
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Symptoms can be emotional, physical, cognitive or behavioral.
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Anxiety is created by expectations or thoughts about what is likely to happen.
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If you say negative things to yourself about your abilities, it produces a corresponding negative emotional reaction, anxiety.
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20% of college students experience test anxiety.
Suggestions to help deal with Test Anxiety
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Verbalize or write down your worries and quickly contradict them.
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Use index cards printed with the words "I Can," "I Will," and "I Want," and place them around your home, car and study area to reinforce positive thinking.
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Breathe slowly and deeply. Practice this technique before the test so you are ready to use it when needed.
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Close your eyes and inhale through your nose.
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Hold your breath and slowly count to 5.
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Breathe out slowly and easily through your mouth.
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Concentrate on your breathing and nothing else.
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Rehearse the test.
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Imagine yourself at the exam beginning to develop anxiety.
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Immediately visualize yourself taking deep breaths and giving yourself positive instruction, such as "relax" or "focus on the exam and nothing else."
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