Anxiety: Power to Positive Thinking
Staff Writer
Nowadays, studying for a test is filled with late night cram sessions and an endless amount of reading. Days after, students usually anxiously await for their results. Frowns sweep across the faces of anxious teens who have received a big, fat “F” on their test.
Negative thoughts never have a favorable outcome. According to the American Test Anxieties Association, about 16 to 20 percent of high school students suffer from anxiety while taking a test, which may cause stress and temporary memory loss.
When taking a test, it is two parts preparation and one part endurance. Sadly, according to LiveStrong, anxiety is the main cause of lower test scores, but it is not such a bad attribute to have while taking a test. Anxiety is proven to get adrenaline flowing, which can help drive the student through an exam, and endurance is one of the most important things besides preparation when test-taking.
Another important factor is positive thinking. Using the previously failed test as motivation may lead to a more positive outlook on the next exam. The “F” motivates the student to strive to excel on the next test. If one has prepared and knows the material, there is no reason to stress or worry about failing a test. If the student visualizes doing well, the chances of doing well are higher.
From the failed test, the student may be motivated to improve their study habits for other classes. The improved study habits results in confidence, leading to positive thinking. The student can then reinforce positivity as a reassurance, believing the test is not as hard as they had perceived it to be, and feel pleased that they are prepared for whatever problems they confront on the tests.