UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION: A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS

Abstract

Test anxiety is a commonly faced issue by most teenagers, typically high school students. Every student has different responses to stressful situations in their academic lives. The “fight or flight” situation is an essential part of our body’s response to stressful situations. There are multiple ways to control stress levels, even in stress-provoking situations like tests. Some of the most common ones to avoid are “The Perfectionist Trap," spacing out the study sessions instead of cramming information the night before, having a nutritious breakfast, and maintaining an effective sleep schedule. As per human psychology, test anxiety is closely related to poor academic performance and lower levels of self-confidence. This is why we tend to subconsciously practice negative self-talk, leading to a lack of confidence and higher levels of stress. To achieve the “perfect” test score, students spend sleepless nights studying to validate themselves and their abilities. Multiple students face external pressure from parents, teachers, and society, leading to overexertion. According to research involving high school students, most of them face challenges with procrastination and test anxiety.