Test Taking Strategy: Breathe, Breathe, Breathe

Quick Learning School, as a school that prepares individuals to pass their California Insurance License exam, in our experience,  many students feel overwhelm, nervousness, and anxiety when taking an exam; which ultimately affects test taking ability.

“When emotions are high, intelligence is low.”  –Blair Singer

To us that means that common sense during an exam is nonexistent,  lost, or minimal.  Stay calm and relaxed.  Anxiety is a feeling that causes shortness of breath and shallow breathing.  One quick way to relax is to take two mindful breath.  The power of the breathe comes from a deep breathe into the belly, pause (2 count), and then a long exhalation with the intention to breathe all the stale air out.  On the inhalation of the breath the body gets excited; the exhalation relaxes the body.  The objective is to calm the body and the mind.  For some remembering to slow down and breathe can still be a challenge because of anxiety.  Then, I suggest to simply bring your chin up and look up.  This changes your physiology, therefore, changing your physical state and effecting your state of mind.

When you begin your exam

• approach a questions or concept that looks unfamiliar or difficult to remember
• while you are taking your exam, and
• when you complete your exam and hit submit.

Once again:  During the exam remember to take mindful breathes.  Practice calm breathing while you study.  During moments of anxiety or nervousness – BREATHE!

Breathe, Breathe, Breathe as a “life strategy”

As I was contemplating before the holiday or after to post this blog, I am somewhat glad I am posting after.  I got to experience and practice this strategy over the Christmas holiday.  Wow!  The breathe is truly a powerful tool.  As situations of attachment, such as things should be a certain way, showed up as something else than the desired situation,  I naturally took a deep breathe and then paused.  I was able to keep focus on what I was committed to which was peace and community.  Even though I cannot control the situation around me, I do have a say in how I feel and respond to matters that concern me.

The pause found in the breathe is the difference between a reaction and a response.  I remember hearing something of this nature (I wish I could quote who said this) “the difference between a reaction and a response is three seconds.”  There is a choice made in whether drama will in sue or the intention of what you are committed to prevails.   Life does not always show up the way we want, fear and anxiety may be present; when that happens just “Breathe!”

In the spirit of “Be prepared” as a life strategy, we will be posting our final blog for 2011 on preparing 2012.  Keep an eye for this posting in the next couple of days.  Cheers!