@scared_cpa – I have that problem too, and there are some good techniques to combat it.
– Set a timer to make sure you take breaks – and use those breaks AWAY FROM YOUR STUDY AREA
take a brisk walk outdoors (outside is key – sounds, smells, breezes, sunshine are all sensory input to help refocus your mind)
watch a really funny cat (or other) video – laughing releases endorphins
talk to a friend or family member who knows why you're stressed, even if it's on the phone (but limit the time…)
read something interesting (also with a timer, easy to not stop!)
play with the dog or cat for a few minutes – or borrow a baby for Peek-a-Boo!
– EAT – good, healthy food in reasonable amounts – but keep your brain nourished so it works better.
– have a small piece of DARK chocolate – it contains some nutrients that help with stress.
My son had to remind me of these on Saturday – each time he got me to laugh the knot in my stomach eased a bit, that really works!
Also – when your brain refuses to behave and scurries around the concepts like a dog chasing a squirrel on crack: several techniques my son's counselor suggested for his exam anxiety:
Sing a nursery rhyme/song you know well, preferably a fairly long, complex one. (my favorite is “there was an old lady who swallowed a fly”) It seems to force your brain to function sequentially again. I used this one when I parked the car for my first exam section… It should work with any song that has a set tune and lyrics you can make yourself repeat.
Have 3 or 4 kinds of strong-flavored hard candy on hand (Altoids, black licorice, cinnamon drops, lemon, etc.). When you need to calm down, put one of those in your mouth and concentrate on describing the sensation of the candy TO AN ALIEN WHO DOES NOT KNOW OUR FLAVOR WORDS – so you can't say “minty” for altoid or “tart” for lemon, you must think of other words/phrases. The counselor says the multi-sensory involvement works well to re-direct the mind.
YOU CAN DO THIS!!! I know, everyone else keeps telling us this and we can't seem to believe it. Remember, lots of people are on your side, including family and your study-buddies on the forums!
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