Do you suffer from test taking anxiety? If you are, you probably have heard that stressing about tests isn't helpful. But relaxing is easier said than done. Read on to discover some test anxiety tips that will help you with overcoming test anxiety and improve your performance.

Test taking anxiety often makes it hard to study, and even harder to do well on the exam. So you have to find a way to reduce that stress. If you're stressed, your thinking becomes fuzzy, your brain won't absorb the information, much less retrieve it when you need it for your test. And all that only increases your stress and anxiety. What a vicious cycle!

So what can you do to calm down? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Take a walk in the park

Exercise, especially in nature, has a very calming effect. If you can't go outside, exercise indoors. It helps your body clear out those stress hormones and produce more calming hormones instead.

2. Breathe

Taking slow, deep breaths has a very calming effect on your body. It stimulates the vagus nerve, which will soothe your frazzled nervous system. Listening to slow baroque or New Age music while lying down can slow your breathing almost automatically. And yes, be sure to breathe into your belly for effective stress reduction.

3. Count sheep -- backwards

Preferably in sevens. Or do something else that is mildly absorbing but very low stress. You can recite a mantra or affirmations, or even read an utterly boring book. This is great for relieving your test anxiety so you can sleep.

4. Try aromatherapy

Aromatherapy bypasses your conscious brain and goes right to the emotional limbic brain. That's part of what makes it so effective. You can get a calming blend, or try lavender, the classic stress relief scent.

5. Try EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

You'll find that EFT is an amazingly effective technique for calming you down. You tap certain acupressure points while repeating certain statements, and you will feel calmer within minutes. It's very powerful and can be done anywhere.

All of the above techniques will help you calm down so you can study effectively. However, what are you supposed to do about overcoming your test anxiety while you're taking your exam?

True, you won't be able to go for a walk during the test, and counting sheep may not be quite appropriate either. Neither will you be able to listen to calming music. But you CAN do the other three things to relieve your stress.

Breathe slowly and deeply. Just count while you breathe -- four counts while breathing in, four counts while holding your breath, and four to eight counts while breathing out. Try to increase the counts, especially while you're exhaling. The slower you'll breathe, the better it works (within reason).

You can also bring some valerian essential oil to sniff on, and you can do some inconspicuous tapping. And, most importantly, keep things in perspective -- after all, it's only a test, and whatever happens, you can deal with that later.