Sometimes it can feel impossible to prepare for a test when you hate taking tests. Every time you get started you begin to feel anxiety and stress, which can cause you to shut down and stifle your productivity. These three tips will get to the root of the problem and help you change your negative feelings towards tests, which will help you study more effectively.
Using Gratitude to Change Your Attitude
There are several studies that found gratitude can be beneficial for changing mood and boosting happiness in a variety of situations. Berkeley performed a study that found students who were already seeking counseling, primarily for depression and anxiety, and asked to do a weekly writing exercise expressing gratitude reported improvement in mental health at greater rates than those who just received counseling or wrote about negative emotions. The idea is that gratitude frees us from toxic emotions. Our toxic emotions towards test taking may be holding us back from being productive. Try finding things to be grateful for, particularly around school and test taking.
Positive Self Talk
Positive self talk can have a similar effect as gratitude. You may find yourself repeating “I hate taking tests” as you prepare for your test. This only firms up your hatred and negative feelings in your mind, making it very difficult to study. Every time you begin to think this thought try to replace it with a positive thought instead. Phrases like, “you know how to work really hard,” or “you know this material” will help you have a more positive outlook toward the test. A positive attitude can help you stay focused while you study.
Just Do It
Often when you hate taking tests, you will put off studying for it. People procrastinate when they are dreading the task. Sometimes just getting started can be half of the battle. Set a time when you will start studying and a duration. Ninety minutes is typically an ideal amount of time to study. Make your plan and stick with it. It is easier to stay on task when you know exactly when and how long you will study.
Successful Test Taking
Test taking usually isn’t fun for anyone. But anyone can take a test and be successful. Use these tricks to shift your thinking about tests and so that you can focus and study. When you have studied and prepared effectively, test taking isn’t as difficult. When you consistently perform well on tests, maybe you won’t hate them so much anymore.
