Test anxiety sneaks in like an unwanted guest—it’s loud, it’s bossy, and it eats all your mental energy before the big day. But what if you could show it the door or, better yet, move it to a quieter corner of your mind? Today, we’re diving into a few powerful techniques that can turn down the volume on your inner critic and transform how you respond to stress, especially before the SAT.
These strategies draw inspiration from the work of expert practitioners like Steve Andreas, Virginia Satir, and Andrew T. Austin, with a sprinkle of imaginative tweaks to make them uniquely your own. So, grab a cup of tea, kick back, and let’s explore!
1. Move That Inner Critic!
Ever noticed how that nagging inner voice feels uncomfortably close, as if it’s whispering in your ear? Here’s a game-changing trick: shift its location. If your inner critic is yelling at you from your left shoulder, imagine moving it out in front of you—two feet, ten feet, or even fifty feet away.
Feeling brave? Push it farther! Once it’s practically on the other side of the room, you’ll notice the volume decrease and its tone soften. The farther it goes, the more ridiculous it seems—like an angry squirrel that lost its nuts. This physical distance often gives your brain the chance to breathe, making that voice feel less threatening.
2. Give That Voice a Massage
This one comes straight out of family therapy but works wonders with internal representations. Imagine the person or voice behind your anxiety sitting stiffly in a chair. Now picture yourself walking behind them, gently placing your hands on their shoulders, and saying, “Relax, it’s okay.” Maybe even give their imaginary shoulders a little massage.
The magic happens when you feel the shift—not just in them, but in you. They become less threatening, more cooperative, and suddenly, your anxiety feels like a problem you can tackle instead of a monster looming over you.
3. Change the Scene Completely
If the first two techniques don’t hit the sweet spot, try shaking things up entirely. Imagine you and this anxious voice sitting side by side on a beach, sipping smoothies and chatting like old friends. Or picture it as a comically tiny character sitting on your desk while you get down to business.
Changing the scene creates emotional distance and makes that inner voice feel less intimidating. After all, it’s hard to take a nagging critic seriously when they’re lounging in flip-flops.
4. Level the Playing Field
Anxiety often feels like a towering force, looming high above you. Here’s how to flip that script. Picture the voice—or its representation—at eye level with you. If it’s towering over you, imagine shrinking it down or raising yourself up until you’re equals. The shift in perspective often brings a sense of calm, as if you’ve regained control of the situation.
These creative approaches to tackling test anxiety can help you take control of your inner world and, by extension, your performance on the big day. In upcoming posts, we’ll explore even more techniques to rewire your brain and make peace with your mind’s chatter. After all, the path to conquering SAT anxiety doesn’t have to be boring—it can be a journey of self-discovery and a little bit of fun.
So, take these ideas, try them out, and don’t forget to let us know which ones worked best for you. Because when it comes to anxiety, the power to change is already within you—you just need the right tools to unlock it.