Dealing with Exam Anxiety: 4 Self-help Steps

Don't let anxiety hold you back!

Many adults struggle with exam anxiety, which can make learning or using English and maths in everyday life feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can overcome this anxiety and gain confidence.

Here are four practical steps to help ease anxiety:

1. Acknowledge and Understand the Anxiety

Recognising that maths anxiety is real and common is the first step. You're not alone; many adults feel the same. Understanding this can reduce the pressure and make tackling maths seem less daunting. Watch this YouTube video on overcoming maths anxiety for a deeper dive into the causes and solutions.

2. Start Small and Celebrate Wins

Begin with simple problems or concepts and build from there. Focusing on small, manageable tasks will help you build confidence. Celebrate each success, no matter how minor, to reinforce positive progress. Try practising with basic arithmetic, and as you improve, gradually move to more complex topics.

Start with the basics and easily readable resources like CGP Functional Skills on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4ejGkBd

3. Change Your Mindset

Maths is often seen as a skill you're born with, but it's just like any other skill—you can improve with practice. Embrace a growth mindset by telling yourself that mistakes are part of learning. This video explains how a growth mindset can help with learning maths.

4. Use Relaxation Techniques

Anxiety can make it hard to focus, so it's important to calm your mind before working on maths. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, or short breaks can help reduce anxiety. Try using a relaxation technique like this simple breathing exercise before tackling exam problems.

Remember, overcoming anxiety takes time and patience, but with consistent effort and these strategies, you’ll start to see improvement!

You have the tools, now book your exam. To register and receive your exam discount voucher. Simply click here