Test anxiety is one of the most common forms of stress that students face.

Even when you know the material on a test, stress can cause changes in the body and brain that make it difficult to think clearly.

To tackle this problem, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts recommend following the steps below when preparing for your child’s next tes:

Step 1:

Get the right foods for study and test taking. Don’t let your child drink too many caffeinated or soda drinks on test day. Even though they can perk you up temporarily, the sugar and caffeine will eventually cause them to "crash." They also can cause them to think less clearly.Junk foods that are full of sugar and carbohydrates can have the same effect. Choose snacks and drinks that are healthy brain foods.

Step 2:

Allow plenty of time to study. Cramming and staying up all night before a test are sure tickets to disaster. Waiting until the last minute to study increases stress hormones and can actually decrease your memory.Studying boosts confidence and also lowers your risk of panicking on test day. Preparing a written study schedule for tests can help keep you and your child from waiting until the last minute. Allow plenty of time for fun, breaks and rest.

Step 3:

Some children study better with a "study buddy" or with another person who can motivate them. Choose a study partner who can help with the subjects that will be covered on the test. This can help relieve some anxiety and make the task a team effort.

Step 4:

Make sure you have everything you need to study. If the textbooks or class notes are unclear, have the child ask the teacher for other suggestions on how to better understand the material. Library books, websites or magazine articles might be helpful, too.

Step 5:

Find a quick relaxation technique that helps your child calm down. Most test stress occurs during the first few minutes of the test. If this happens, spend a few minutes relaxing before tackling the test. Relaxation methods include breathing, stretching, yoga, exercise, imagery, meditation, walking or squeezing a stress ball. It’s OK to combine methods.

Step 6:

Reward your children for all their hard work. If they followed all these steps, they deserve a reward, no matter how they performed on the test.

Step 8:

Relax. Your child is ready for the test ... and is now a lot less stressed.

Taste of the area

This weekend you can make one stop, help students and meet the various tastes and food preferences of your family or group of friends.

The fifth annual Taste of Flowery Branch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Flowery Branch High School on 6603 Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch.

Proceeds from the event support the FBHS Falcon Band. Attendees can enjoy music and samples of menu items from restaurants, caterers and food stores, according to the band website.

Tickets are $10 each (includes 10 Taste Coupons). They’re available from band members and their parents and at this Friday’s home football game.

Also, tickets are available online at www.fbhsband.org. The website also offers information on the "Living Dead Dash" event (a four-mile run or two-mile walk) which precedes the Taste of Flowery Branch.

Sandra Stringer is a nutrition educator with the UGA Cooperative Extension office in Hall County. Contact: 770-535-8290. Her column appears on gainesvilletimes.com/life.