Overcoming Exam Nerves

It’s the time of year when students of all ages are starting to prepare for their exams. For many people, the nerves that build up in the anticipation of a test or an exam, can be just as bad as the test or exam itself. 

Thoughts of what might happen, or what might go wrong, or what questions they might get asked, can add to the anxiety and stress. 

This stress can build, and as the exam draws ever closer, the anxiety builds to such an extent, that the student feels that all their newly-learned skills and knowledge will just vanish right at the moment they'll need them the most.

They might 'know' that they are competent in their subject, but feel, and sometimes actually find, that their skills desert them just as soon as the test or exam begins.

The stresses and strains that a test or exam can bring, can be especially frustrating to a student who usually performs well in class or with coursework. 

Some common feelings and signs of exam nerves are:

Feelings of anxiousness in the time leading up to the test

Butterflies in the tummy, feeling sick, and a dry mouth, upset tummy

Trembling hands while writing the answers in a written test or using tools in a practical exam

Mind going blank during the test

Fear of speaking in front of examiners in an oral exam, dry mouth, tremble in the voice, hyperventilating

Short tempered

Poor sleep patterns

All these things can add to the pressure. Should the student fail the test or exam, this can add even more stress and anxiety for the re-sit.These feelings can be caused by a lack of confidence in their ability and can also be compounded by the importance of doing well in the test, as the result may be life-changing. 

We know our friends and family want us to do well and that also can add to the pressure the student already is feeling.

I really do know what it can be like to suffer with test nerves, but I also know you can overcome them. As I discovered for myself, many years ago now, hypnotherapy for test and exam nerves, can be very effective and rewarding. My own first ever experience of Hypnotherapy was to help me overcome a fear of driving, the very thought of taking my driving test caused me to feel sick, I was very shorted tempered and could hardly sleep, my palms sweated so much I couldn't hold the steering wheel!

Now I didn’t actually pass my driving test first time, I made a silly mistake during the drive, but even that did not cause me to regain that old fear. When I took my second test, I looked forward to it. I absolutely knew I had all the skills and confidence to pass - and I did! I am certain that the skills I learnt from my Hypnotherapy treatment was the reason for my confidence. 

So how can Hypnotherapy help with exam nerves?

You know, sometimes the fear of taking the exam is much worse than the actual exam, you may have experienced that feeling yourself - things don’t usually turn out as bad as we imagine they they will.

Using Hypnosis, I teach you to achieve a wonderful state of relaxation and control, to be aware of when you are starting to feel tense and stressed and how to deal with it quickly and simply. I show you techniques to help you focus on your studies and revision, the more prepared you feel, the less anxiety you feel. Anxiety and relaxation can not exist in your body at the same time - it’s impossible for those two states to co-exist.

I will also teach you visualization techniques, a form of self hypnosis, so you see yourself taking that exam or driving test, you get to see that you can control your feelings, the more you do this, the more that situation just becomes normal - because you have done it dozens of times before in your mind.

Before I took my driving test, I used visualization at every opportunity, any quiet moment I would image driving in my test. I used to take the bus to work and I would imagine I was driving it - what gear would I be in, when to brake, indicate - everything. By the time I took my second test, it was like I had been driving for years and years. The fear had gone and I was just excited and ready to get my driving licence and just knew I could do it.

Can Hypnotherapy help my child with their school tests?

Yes, Hypnotherapy is suitable for most children, usually from about the age of 6 years, although this does depend on each child’s personal development. Children love hypnosis and are usually very good at it!

Can Hypnotherapy help with practical exams?

Absolutely! As with my own driving test fears, hairdressing, mechanics, creative - any type of test or exam.

For more information please contact Lindsay Shepherd on 01202 511096 or www.lindsayshepherdhypnotherapy.co.uk

Lindsay holds an enhanced CRB check

Like to know more about how Hypnotherapy can help you, or to book an appointment at my Bournemouth Hypnotherapy practice, contact:  www.lindsayshepherdhypnotherapy.co.uk  or call 01202 511096