30 Second Hypnosis for School and Test Success

I have just returned from a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable vacation with my family at the Delaware shore.

While on the beach each day, I had the opportunity to speak with a number of students who are preparing to return to classes – high school, college and graduate level.  Each typically expressed excitement about their prospects for the coming year, yet also concern and, in some cases, dread about the pressures of exam performance.

The academic environment is defined by extended periods of preparation for tests that often comprise a significant percentage of a course grade.  This structure puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the student, often creating anxiety and stress which then impacts the ability to succeed.

We all know smart kids who are poor test takers, right?

Hypnosis and positive visualization can serve as a tool to help a student mitigate stress and mentally prepare for an exam.

Yes…they still have to study and understand the material.  Yet, increased focus (and decreased anxiety) allows a person’s talent, knowledge and confidence to shine.

I’ve included below an easy-to-follow 30 second process that you may want to try or share with others.

PS  This approach also works well for work-related presentations and projects.  

-Take a deep breath and visualize yourself pushing out stress and anxiety when exhaling

-Close your eyes and take another deep breath

-Count down in your mind slowly from five allowing yourself to relax with each number

-Visualize an accomplishment in your life you are proud of (academic, athletic, family, friendship, etc.)

-Think about how this accomplishment makes you feel: confident, secure and balanced

-Take another deep breath

-Count up slowly from one to five feeling yourself energize with each number

-Open your eyes  

On vacation with my family.

Hypnosis Helps Improve Test Taking Performance

School is about tests...and the stress, pressure and intensity that accompany them.

As a student graduates to more advanced academic environments, the importance and impact of exams ratchets up.  High schools place an emphasis on mid-terms and finals.  The SAT influences college destination.  College exams are then critical and shape advanced degree and professional aspirations.

Months of study often come down to the ability to perform during a small window of time.  Some shine on exams, others stumble, regardless of their preparation and knowledge of the material.

While on vacation with the family this month at the shore, I met a nursing student who shared a painful and all too familiar tale of test taking woe.  She was tops in her class and excelled during a number of medical internships, yet flamed out while taking the accreditation exam to receive her license.

Did she know the material?  Absolutely.  Was she well prepared?  You bet.

She simply got unnerved at the start of the exam by a fellow student who was tapping a pencil.  Once her focus slipped, she quickly spiraled and lost confidence.

This bright and talented young woman will be forced to return to campus after Labor Day for a second go at accreditation.  She asked if hypnosis could help.

After confirming that she had remained up-to-speed on the material and invested the necessary time to study during the summer, I explained that hypnosis could indeed positively influence her focus, concentration and, most important, confidence come exam time.

Using a warm and relaxing induction process, I put her into a trance right there on the beach.  We then walked through a set of visualizations of her in the test room, seated with the exam on the desk and completing the task.  We focused on feeling comfortable and confident, and remaining calm regardless of the noise and distraction around her.

I concluded this beach hypnotic session with a suggestion I typically employ with young adults:  infused with energy and confidence in all aspects of life.

Will she pass the exam the second time around?  That's still up to her.  Hypnosis just served as a tool to help sharpen focus and build confidence.

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Are you interested in learning more about how hypnosis can improve test taking skills and overall academic performance?  Would you like to learn self-hypnosis to use as a tool to support your educational endeavors?  Call me at (301) 538-8100 or Email m.russell.hausman@gmail.com.  I'd be happy to talk.

Hypnosis can improve focus, eliminating distractions during an exam that impact performance.