PMP Exam: Managing Anxiety
I’ve been asked many times, “How do I prepare for an exam I?”. I will share my secret. When I’m about to take a lengthy test, I get nervous. I don’t like taking a four-hour exam. I have a little ADD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and I’m not a fast reader. However, I have passed a few PMI exams as well as a 5-hour AACE exam. My success in managing anxiety is a big part of my method. My anxiety levels can rise significantly in the weeks leading to the PMP exam. Even though I was well prepared, I still felt stressed out a few days before my exam. It is normal to feel stressed. Nervousness is helpful in focusing and thinking faster. Test-taking performance is better than when I study. It’s a good thing, because I sometimes have trouble focusing on practice exams at home. I also find that too much anxiety causes me to forget and makes me tired. To avoid getting overwhelmed and keep my anxiety under control, I have to compensate. A few days before the exam, I pay more attention to what my body needs. After being absorbed by studying for a while, I take some steps to help my body and mind focus during the important day. 1. Limit your caffeine intake. Studies have shown that caffeine can cause anxiety-inducing sensations such as sweaty palms and elevated heart rate. Although coffee is great for studying for the exam I stopped drinking it a few days in advance. I don’t need another cup of coffee because I have anxiety about the exam. 2. Drink more water. Water is beautiful. Our brains need water as well. Research has shown that a well-hydrated person’s brain performs at its best. Get plenty of water throughout the day. Another trigger for anxiety is dehydration. 3. Healthy foods are important – I feel happy and full after eating pizza and nachos while studying. It is the side effects of these foods that I try to avoid. I do actually become sluggish. Thinking ahead, I eat fresh, whole fruits, vegetables, which will help me to think clearly and reduce stress. My favorite foods include grapes, carrots and bananas. I also enjoy yogurt and cereal. 4. Exercise – I enjoy getting some exercise to relieve stress. Moving your body can help you get rid of stress, anxiety, and loosen your muscles. It also helps to expel any extra nervous energy. It’s a great time to go to the gym, ride a bike, jump in the lake, or just take a walk around a park. 5. Sleep – I get a lot of sleep in the week before the exam. I get less patient and more agitated when I’m tired. I will take the exam after I have taken a day off work to ensure that I have had 8-9 quality nights sleep for a few days. Day of the exam I like to eat a banana, eggs, and an energy drink such as the 5-hour variety. I do know how my body will react to these things. To ensure that all systems are working properly, I make sure to take it at least two hours before the exam. These are my lessons learned and experiences. Everybody has a unique body, which reacts differently to the chemicals we put into it. Most people will find that tried-and-true methods, such the ones I use to manage my anxiety, are generally beneficial. It is similar to project management to pay attention to the body’s parts. If one part of your body is slowing down, the rest of your body will suffer. To perform at our best, we must maintain the health of our bodies and systems. Aut