Do you ever feel a little knot in your stomach when a test is coming up? I know I do. Sometimes my heart beats so quickly it feels like a drum, and my hands get sweaty on my pencil. It can feel scary, but I've learned some gentle ways to calm myself before a test. Maybe my tricks can help you, too.
My Favorite Calming Tricks
These are the things I like to do when I feel test anxiety sneaking in:
- Slow, Deep Breaths: I imagine I'm smelling a flower as I breathe in, and then blowing out a candle as I breathe out. I do this three or four times, and my heart feels less jumpy.
- Picture a Happy Ending: In my head, I see myself finishing my test calmly and even smiling as I hand it in. It's like giving my brain a happy story to believe in, and it helps me feel braver.
- Little Breaks: If my mind feels messy, I pause for a second, stretch my fingers, and remind myself, "I can take it one question at a time." That tiny pause makes the test feel less huge.
Why It's Okay to Feel Nervous
Feeling nervous before a test doesn't mean something is wrong. It just means you care about doing well. Even grown-ups get nervous before big things! What matters is knowing that you can guide those feelings instead of letting them boss you around.
Try It Yourself
Next time you have a test, pick one of these tricks and try it. You might be surprised at how much calmer you feel. And even if the nerves don't disappear completely, remember this: you are more than your test score, and every effort you make is worth celebrating.
If you'd like more gentle ideas for handling school stress, you can explore other Whisper Stories or try the Breathing Star game to practice calm breathing in a fun way.