Hampshire hypnotherapy - Exam Nerves

Who suffers from exam nerves?

Most people know what its like to suffer from pre exam or test nerves, but for some it is almost impossible to work through.  This heightened awareness and acute anxiety can develop during the lead up to the exams, and continue throughout the duration of the exam. Sometimes the nerves will subside when we are seated, and actually focusing on the exam. However, for the most part, those of us who suffer with this intolerable feeling are left delivering a second rate performance and at worst not being able to perform at all. This is made worse in the knowledge that everything we need to know to pass this test has been read and re-read, while timing and techniques have been honed to perfection.

How does it affect me?

Logically, we know how hard we’ve worked, to learn the things we need to know to pass the exam/test, but when the day arrives (or even before then) we find our stress levels so high we are unable to perform. This unwanted behaviour restricts us because without the qualifications that exams offer -we can’t achieve the things in life that we want for ourselves and our families. This difficulty can have a far reaching effect on our lives because it can restrict:

1. Job choice
2. Travelling (driving test)
3. Promotion
4. Choice of College
5. Choice of University

These are  just a few examples of how lives can be spoiled because of this fear. These unwanted and inappropriate feelings restrict focus on the desired thing, our mouth dries, there is an awful twisting, wrenching feeling in the gut, and the urge to get away, or freeze to the spot is very powerful. I gripped my pen so tightly that my fingers cramped up around it and I couldn’t write at all.

Why do I get exam nerves?

Anxiety, apprehension, and general feelings of being out of control are all involved in why a person suffers in this way. It’s important in life that we can achieve, and be as good as we can, or want to be, but its hard to do this when really scared. This fear comes as a result of what is termed a ’fight or flight’ response, and it’s what our bodies do when messages of fear are sent out by the brain to other parts of our body. Chemicals are released into the blood stream, and the next thing we know is we can’t put enough distance between ourselves and the invigilator/examiner. The response is there to protect us and is a good response - the problem is that its responding inappropriately and extremely. Its just really unfortunate that the brain doesn’t differentiate between a real or imagined fear.

Call TODAY for your free consultation
Call Hampshire hypnotherapist Erica Walsh 07810 640685 or use the online contact form to book your FREE consultation. There is no obligation to proceed it is simply a chance to ask any questions and discuss your symptoms in complete confidence.