TENSE AND RELAX YOUR MUSCLES.AS YOUR ANXIETY MOUNTS, YOUR MUSCLES T...

2. Tense and relax your muscles.As your anxiety mounts, your muscles tense, just in case they are going tobe called on to fight or flee. Of course, in the case of the GMAT exam, you have to fight with yourbrain, and running away would result in a very low score. So the best thing you can do is to relax. Itcan be hard to know which muscles are tensed. Many people hold tension in their shoulders or theirjaws and are never even aware it’s there. It’s helpful to start with your toes and work your way upthrough all the muscle groups, first tensing (really tightly!) and then relaxing each muscle group.(Tense your toes, and relax. Tense your feet, and relax. Tense your calves, and relax . . . ) Don’t forgetyour facial muscles, especially your jaw.