{How to: Manage Anxiety for Any Assignment}

Exams, presentations, papers, and projects. The list of assignments goes on and on and can feel endless at time. How do you manage it all?! Here are some tips to keep you calm and help you get that homework done, and done well.

Taking an Exam
     Prepare
          - Outline what you need to study and break it into manageable pieces
          - Start studying way in advance. Reserve the night before for quick review and good sleep
          - Use the Academic Learning Center and other resources if you need support
          - Eat, hydrate, and relax a bit before the test
     Cope
          - Stop and breathe when you get the exam. Yes, you will have enough time
          - Focus. This isn't the time to judge your study habits or worry about your grade
          - Pace yourself. Skip tough questions and go back to them later
          - If you don't know an answer, let it go and move on to those you do
Finishing a Paper
     Prepare
          - Use an outline and gather all the information you need
          - Devote more time to the start of the writing process, and less as you go along
          - Work without distractions for 30-60 minutes. Then, take a 5-10 minute break
     Cope
          - Take a break if you get frustrated
          - Change locations. New stimulation at a cafe or the library can help shift your thinking
          - Avoid self-medicating. Excessive sugar and other substances will cloud your brain and prevent it from feeding you great ideas to write about
Giving a Presentation
     Prepare
          - Rehearse, to familiarize yourself with the flow of information and timing
          - Be humorous. Include a few (appropriate) jokes. This will set both you and your audience at ease
          - Make it a conversation. Create some questions for the audience, a quick poll, a volunteer demonstration, or an activity
     Cope
          - Wear your confidence, literally. Put on something special but that feels comfortable
          - Remember. Your nerves won't be noticed unless you point them out
          - Remind yourself that you've practiced and your ready.
          - Most people get nervous speaking in public, and that's okay. You'll get through it

Now you have the tools to ace that next test, paper, or presentation! Good luck!

Post adapted from "How to Manage Anxiety for Any Assignment" from Student Health:101 at http://readsh101.com/l/uni.html?id=75ae58a2