Calm Before The Storm: How To Manage Your Anxiety Before The Big Day

Written By: Gershom Sage R. Rivero, RN, USRN

(Estimated reading time: 3 minutes)

Having anxiety is pretty normal and quite expected. It usually happens when it involves decisions that impact our career, such as a licensure examination abroad. Even before we actualize the day of our test many things already run through our heads. Many thoughts running can be quite stressful and if left ignored can have an effect on the outcomes.

Despite preparing earnestly, some people still fail the exam. Not because they didn’t study or they don’t know how to answer the test. It’s just that they let their anxieties take control. Yes, this is a real-life struggle for some examinees, which is quite sad. We can say to others, just get over your anxiety. But the truth is, it is easier said than done.

In today’s article, I hope to give some tips on how we can manage anxiety and hope for better results in the future.

1. Do Not Overthink
Why worry about things that hasn’t happened yet? Makes sense right? But you cannot necessarily tell that to people who have the tendency to overthink. I have times where I think a lot, to the point that it just brings me more and more anxiety. To be fair, overthinking has its good points because for some, it’s our way of coping. However, when we let it affect the way we handle and deal things, it becomes unhealthy.

2. Just Let It Go
There are people who like to be in control, and this is good because it allows us to be more independent. However, life doesn’t always allow us to be in full control of everything. There are situations where we have to just go with the flow and accept where that certain instance leads us. Not everything has to be on schedule, sometimes a detour is better than the current path.

3. Be Prepared For Anything
No one wants to fail, our ultimate goal when we take an exam is to do well and pass it. This may sound quite weird but having some sort of simple mindset is good. That no matter the result is, it will be alright and that you accept it. As long as we know that we did everything that we can. Although we don’t want to entertain the negative thoughts, we are also unconsciously preparing ourselves for the worst if it does happen.

4. Treat And Pamper Yourself
As human beings, we need a nice balance of hard work and leisure. A really good way of releasing anxiety is to get some me-time. We need it too especially after our brains have been bombarded with a lot of information. A nice little tip I can share with you guys, the day before any exam that I take I do not review anymore. I go to the mall or spend time with my family, do activities that I want just to take my mind off the exam for a while.

Taking control of anxiety sounds complicated for some people, but it is totally doable. Our stress and anxiety can be our worst enemy during the exam if we do not manage it. Do not waste all of your effort by letting fear get the best of you.

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