Recently I have been seeing several clients who are experiencing exam anxiety. They are trying to relax and recall the information the needed information.

One client had to take an oral exam after failing the standard test three years in a row. The oral terrified him because he is not a people person. Acutely shy, he froze while sitting before three examiners. He was so nervous he failed.

I am happy to report that after only three sessions, his anxiety was so reduced he was able to sit in front of his examiners, poised, and respond calmly, logically. He passed.

Another client studying Chinese medicine had twice failed his exams.  He came to me to ensure that I would hypnotize him and create a state of relaxation. He, too, passed his final.

A few tips for those who are experiencing exam anxiety:

Remember, hypnosis is an amazing tool. 

• Build confidence by reviewing your personal skills.
• Develop solid study habits and strategies.
• Use your time effectively.
• Organize your material to know where it is when ready to study.
• Use a checklist to organize and prepare the required materials.
• Take a step-by-step approach to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
• Review your prior test so you know what you need to improve on and to relearn.
• Approach the exam with confidence.
• Use strategies to personalize your success –  visualization, logic, positive self-talk and practice.
  View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you have studied and how much you know.
• Be prepared.
• Find the most comfortable lighted location, away from all distractions. 
• Avoid cramming before the exam.
• Strive for a relaxed state of concentration. Exercise first. It will relax you and sharpen your mind.
• Ensure protein-rich nutrition for a week before your exam. This ensures good blood sugar levels that stabilize your mood.
• Avoid junk food, excessive carbohydrates, caffeine and alcohol. 
• Bring a small protein snack in case you are hungry during the exam.
• Avoid students who have not prepared or have a negative attitude.

During the test, ensure that you:

• Read directions carefully.
• Budget your test-taking time.
• Change your seating position to relax. Roll your shoulders forward and back. Turn your head from side to side as well as up and down.
• If you go blank, skip the question and move to the next one. Return later.
• If you go blank taking an essay test, choose a new question. Start writing. This may trigger the answer to the question you prefer to write about.
• When other students are handing in their papers and your are not finished, remember, there is no reward for finishing first.
• Use relaxation techniques. This is where hypnotherapy is useful.
• Take slow deep breaths, and box breathe. Count to four as you breathe in. Hold for a count of four. Breathe out for a count of four. Hold for a count of four. Repeat until calm.
• Fear is false.
• Face everything and recover.
• Pause. Focus step by step on what needs to be done next.
  
• Use positive reinforcement for yourself. (Again, hypnotherapy is useful.)
• Acknowledge you have done your best.
• Anxiety and excitement are the same feeling. Remind yourself that you are not anxious but excited.
• Afterward, review what did not work and eliminate them. List what helped and retain those strategies.

Do not hesitate to contact me by telephone, 310.204.3321, or by email at nickpollak@hypnotherapy4you.net. See my website at www.hypnotherapy4you.net