Managing Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms can include:

  • Sweaty palms
  • Nausea
  • A racing heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing

When you begin to feel physical symptoms, there are many methods you can use to bring your body back to a state of calmness.

Relaxation techniques can be an effective way to calm nerves and prepare your body to focus before an exam, a presentation, or big project. There are a variety of relaxation techniques that you can try. Some strategies may work better for you than others, you might have to try a few to figure out what works best:

  • Mindfulness Meditation
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Visualization and Positive Imagery
  • Deep Breathing Exercises
  • Yoga

HANDOUT: Managing Physical Symptoms of Academic Anxiety

For Ball State Students: The Resource and Relaxation Room in the BSU Counseling Center is a great place to practice these skills and find more mental-health resources.

Here are some additional online resources for recognizing and managing physical symptoms: