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Taking tests is one of the most stressful situations students are put into. No matter how much you study, or how well you know the material, most people still experience anxiety on test day. In fact, many people would prefer to just fake a sick day than take a test. However, there are ways to reduce and avoid test anxiety without resorting to skipping the test all together. Below are five tips on how reduce test anxiety so you can concentrate on acing the exam and nothing more.

1. Study: first and foremost, you need to study. It’s simple and it works. If you study, then you have nothing to worry about right? However, most often, studying is not enough to stop the pre-test jitters and feeling of doom lingering in your stomach.

2. Calm your nerves: the morning before your exam, opt for a calming tea such as chamomile. It will soothe the nerves. Another great tip to avoid test anxiety is aromatherapy. The power of scent is a wondrous thing and can instantly relax you. Bring a scented candle in your handbag which can release calming aromas throughout the exam.

3. Be prepared. Bring a few extra pens and pencils in case your breaks or runs out. If disaster strikes in a test, there’s nothing worse for the nerves than being unprepared.

4. Make notes: note taking is one of the best ways to ensure that you know your stuff, inside and out. Write a ‘cheat page’ of all the most important information on the test. Do not bring it into the test, but read it over a few times before the exam.

5. Finally, to avoid test anxiety, opt for a workout before your exam. Wake up early, hit the pavement or head to the school gym. You will take your mind off the test while also releasing endorphins into your body.