Yes it’s okay, and No, don’t delete.
Yes it’s okay to have a couple glasses of wine as a means of destressing – unless it’s a regular problem – which it’s not for you or you wouldn’t be asking this about 2 glasses of wine.
But if it’s not HELPING enough, then you’ve got to figure something else out.
You do need to sleep before your exam. I was very anxious about the GREs. Here is what I did: study study study study (and you’ve done this). Then the day before do a strenuous workout, maybe a long swim, something that really absorbs your attention and exhausts you, around 6 or 7 pm – not too late or it can excite your system before sleep).
Have a comfortable dinner with some protein and carbs (carbs are good for sleep) and a glass or two of wine – what’s reasonable – not excessive – for you.
And chill out with a movie rental with a friend, if possible.
I don’t recommend watching TV into the night, because when I try that I just keep watching to try to distract myself from my anxiety…
Instead, I took a Valerian root, which is a great, very mild herbal sleep aid that also promotes calmness, and did a meditation which is used to calm the body and prepare for sleep.
Let me know if you’d be interested and I’ll write up a meditation for you that I find really helpful for progressive relaxation of the body. You can also send me a message if you want and I can email you an mp3 of a guided meditation (pretty sure I have one I downloaded for sleep).
You WILL be fine. But I know how stressful the anticipatory anxiety can be. I’m sending all good and positive and relaxed vibes over your way!
Remember that one cleansing breath is very powerful. Several is better. Visualize bright, colorful light-filled air when you breathe in, and dark smoggy air when you breathe out. (the visualization helps occupy your mind if nothing else.)
You’re going to kick butt. You are fully prepared and capable. You’ve done all the necessary studying. Keep telling yourself that. And take another Valerian if the first one doesn’t do much. 3 is the max.
(((dan))))
