Take a few deep breaths, drink a glass of warm milk and/or the rest of the bottle of wine, lie down comfortably and count backwards from 100, taking a slow deep inhale, hold, and exhale for every breath. If for some reason you actually make it all the way to 1 without passing out, start again. Every time your mind strays away from the numbers, just take a deep breath and return to the count. Most importantly, don’t get frustrated with yourself. It’s no big deal: it’s just a number line—and breathing. You’re not gonna forget how to breathe, are you? I didn’t think so!
;)
You will at least be more rested, even if you don’t sleep. Which, I assure you, you probably will.

Oh, and good luck with that exam. If you’ve been studying, you should do fine!!!

;) I think deleting is up to you.

on all counts. There is nothing wrong with your drinking habits. If you ever (and I seriously doubt you would) get to the point where you can’t get through the day , or night, without a drink then you have a problem.

The anxiety you are feeling is completely natural and understandable.You hav ebeen thinking about this exam for months and completely focused on it for the past couple of weeks. You have put extra pressure on yourself because of the fact you didn’t pass last time. I would’ve finished the bottle and been well into the second by now if I was in your situation (and I am not a big drinker by any stretch of the imagination).

Stressing about sleeping isn’t going to make it happen. If you are not sleepy flunk out on the sofa infront of the TV. Don’t delete this when you are sober…..it’s valid emotion and you might even chuckle about it at a later date.

I know it is easily said but don’t stress about the exam. You will be fine, you will be well prepared and you know that we are all behind you whatever the outcome.

I wish you all the best babe.

You’ll be fine. And half a bottle doesn’t make you an alcoholic. And you’ll do fine on the test because you’re that kind of guy. :)

And have one on me when you’re done taking it, ‘kay? (I would pour it for you but that’s a little impractical.)

Good luck.

don’t delete. Posts like these make us more human. :D

Sheesh, this Dan’s being all inspirational and stuff is getting on my nerves! Doesn’t that guy ever get pissed or anything? :) :) :)

Yesterday I had to take an ACLS test to recertify myself for another couple years. If I didn’t pass I wouldn’t be able to run as a paramedic until I did. I’d been reviewing it for the last couple weeks, but still felt apprehensive even though I knew the material. I passed, but I also put myself through a lot of nervousness.

I think that you’re making this worse for yourself. What is the consequence if you don’t pass? Will the world come to an end? Will McCain win the election? Will you lose your job? Will you just continue in your same role without a chance of advancement? If you can live with the consequence, then don’t let this eat away at you. It’s just a test. Whether you pass or fail, you are still going to be the same person and the people who care about you aren’t going to think any less of you.

I definitely think that alcohol isn’t the solution (and like others have said, don’t think you should delete this when you’re sober). I’d suggest that instead of turning to a bottle to help you sleep, why don’t you go swimming instead? This will burn up your energy, tiring you out, and as you focus your mind on proper breathing techniques it should distract you from your fears about the test.

I’d wish you luck on the test, but I know that you are as prepared for this as you can be. I also know that you will succeed and pass the test if you can get yourself in the right mindframe. I have faith in you.

I listen to soft music. Pesonally, I love listening to sound of ocean/rain. That might help.

Good luck with your exam. :)

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))))

Hi, how was your head after?

Dont Delete this entry, Dan! It’s too real and so human and wonderful to read. How did you do? Can you update? When I can’t sleep, I use Ambien :) but I DONT recommend it. Bad Hangover!!!!