Mental Recharge during break on test day Forum

[sunsheyen]

It's been so long since I took the test, I forgot how I felt after the break. I'm sure I did something like eat a banana/have water/restroom/smoke a cig (have since quit). For those retakers--or even first timers who took the test today--what did you do on the break that you feel was helpful? Was there something you did that you felt hindered you, for example eating a snack/energy item that caused some kind of crash? Any deep breathing, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques?

I think it would be helpful to try and test some of these during our PT phases to see what works best individually. Let the suggestions (and warnings) begin!

I will probably balance my snacks, something like walnuts and a banana, along with water. Lotion my hands and use my lip balm really well. I'm very OCD about my skin and dryness, and I know that touching paper that long without moisture is going to drive me crazy (crazier!). If there is enough time/opportunity to get outside to some green space, even a little bit of grass, I will do that and get some sun/deep breathing in. Now I regret the testing center I chose, because the last one was a beautiful campus with plenty of trees and a giant lake. Oh well, I'll figure out something.

[DaRascal]

This is gonna be so much fun! Let's do it!

[wealtheow]

my #1 break suggestion: do NOT attempt a poop if you're not positive you'll have time

[uncreative]

The break killed me. I came into the test pumped up with a good mind set and went to work. I nailed the first three sections and felt great about it. Then the break came. I went to the bathroom, had a snack, stretched, relaxed...but when the second half started, I wasn't in my zone anymore. It felt like the adrenaline wore off and I the last few sections started off hard, I wasn't in the right frame of mind, and it took a toll. Still did well, but if I could do it all over again I would have tried to get myself all pumped up again instead of trying to relax.

[rebexness]

You can't usually leave the building you're in,anyway.