Archbold Medical Center| Archives Magazine | Spring 2019

ARCHBOLD.ORG • SPRING 2019 23 PREPARING for an upcoming test or exam can be stressful for any student. And though it's natural for students to experience some amount of stress before and during exams, there are some simple steps parents can take to help their students prevent anxiety that can come with end-of-the-school-year testing. “It’s natural to feel some stress before a test,” said Eugene Sun, MD, psychi- atrist at Archbold’s Northside Center for Behavioral and Psychiatric Care. “However, there are steps your student can take to ensure a less stressful testing experience.” Don’t delay. The earlier students start studying, the better off they will be. Good study habits and studying con- sistently is much more effective than cramming for a test the night before. Also, the more often and different ways students can expose themselves to the material, the better they will retain it. “Read the materials one night, and then take a practice test the next night,” suggested Dr. Sun. Don’t let testing become too taxing Eugene Sun, MD Psychiatrist Sleep smart. Getting enough sleep the night before a test is crucial to perfor- mance. Your memory recall will be much better if you’ve had enough rest. Eat for success. Having a good break- fast the morning of a test is also a great way to start the day. “Skip the sugary cereal and instead eat a protein-based breakfast,” said Dr. Sun. “A good choice is scrambled eggs or yogurt with granola.” Also, make sure your student has whatever they need to perform their best and put them at ease. Stay calm. Tell your student not to panic. If they are struggling with a ques- tion, they can skip it and come back to it later. “If they tend to get anxious, have them take slow, deep breaths,” said Dr. Sun. "Also remind your student not to worry about whether others around them are finished with the test. There is no need to stress over finishing a test quickly. Just take your time and remember you are well-prepared for the test, and it will be easier to recall what you studied leading up to the exam.”