Summary

Justin and Challee delve into the topic of test anxiety, a shared experience as they both prepare for their social work board exams. They discuss the emotional toll that test anxiety can take, emphasizing that such feelings are common and not a reflection of one's worth or abilities. They share personal insights on how they have been coping with the anxiety, including the importance of understanding one's learning style and the psychological barriers that can arise during preparation. They also touch on practical strategies for managing anxiety, such as grounding techniques, deep breathing, and the significance of self-care leading up to the test day.

The conversation highlights the pressures associated with high-stakes testing, including financial implications and the fear of failure. Justin and Challee explore the importance of support systems, both in-person and online, while cautioning against negative influences in online groups. They conclude with a reminder that tests are assessments of knowledge and skills, not measures of personal worth, and encourage listeners to be kind to themselves throughout the preparation process. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone facing similar challenges, offering both empathy and practical advice.

Takeaways

-"This test does not define me and it's not connected to my worth as a person."

-Being kind to ourselves is something we don't think about a lot with this.

-Self-care is not a waste of time, people. It's good for you.

-The test is assessing your problem-solving ability, not your worth as a person.

-We need to listen to ourselves in the ways that we need to show up for ourselves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Test Anxiety

05:01 Coping Strategies for Test Anxiety

17:11 Preparing for Test Day

25:56 Identifying and Managing Anxiety Symptoms

34:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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