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How to Beat Exam Anxiety

/ Exam Prep / By / August 20, 2025
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How to Beat Exam Anxiety: Practical Tips for Nursing Students

Did you know that test anxiety is considered a psychological condition? It’s true—test anxiety can cause stress before and during exam prep, and it’s also a type of performance anxiety because of the pressure to pass.

Many students experience physical and emotional symptoms, including butterflies in the stomach, nausea, headaches, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, and even difficulty breathing. While some anxiety is normal (and can help you stay alert), too much can wear you down emotionally and physically.

If your test anxiety feels overwhelming, talk to a faculty member or health professional. At the same time, there are calming methods you can practice on your own to stay in control.

General Tactics to Beat Exam Anxiety

  • Avoid negative self-talk. If you catch yourself doing it, silently tell yourself: “Stop it! Right now!”

  • Try “tapping” techniques for calming nerves and boosting confidence. (There are many demonstration videos available online.)

  • Schedule your exam during a semester or time of year when you’ll feel less stressed.

Study to Stay Stress-Free

  • Ask family and friends for help with daily responsibilities so you can focus on studying.

  • Devote plenty of time to your study plan. If you know you haven’t studied enough, anxiety will increase.

  • Start a study group with peers—meeting once a week for a couple of hours can help keep you on track.

  • After reviewing your exam content, complete as many practice questions as possible.

  • Use self-evaluation to identify weak areas and refocus.

  • Remember: practice builds confidence!

As the Exam Approaches

  • Consider hypnotherapy audio tracks or relaxation apps. Listen daily for 2–4 weeks for best results.

  • Improve your nutrition two weeks before the exam. Supplements that may help include omega-3s, B-complex, and vitamins C, D, and E.

  • Take care of yourself—exercise, eat well, relax, or even schedule a massage the day before.

  • Do something enjoyable the evening before, such as dinner with friends or a movie.

  • Don’t cram the night before. Rest your body and mind instead.

  • On exam day, wake up 15–30 minutes earlier than usual so you’re not rushed.

During the Exam

If you start feeling panicky during the test, practice this calming breathing technique:

  1. Close your eyes. Inhale deeply while thinking: “I am breathing in calmness and self-control.” Hold your breath and count to three.

  2. Exhale slowly while thinking: “I am breathing out fear.” Count to five as you exhale.

  3. Repeat three full cycles of this breathing exercise, or as often as needed.

Resources to Beat Exam Anxiety

  • King, C. R., & Gerard, S. O. (2016). Clinical Nurse Leader Certification Review, Second Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.

  • Wittmann-Price, R. A. Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Review Manual, Third Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.

  • Leik, M. C. (2018). Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition. New York: Springer Publishing.

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