CPA ZONE

You've completed the CPA review courses and taken the CPA exam. You thought that your worries would be over once you finished the test, but now, the real anxiety has set in. It's now the waiting period between completion of the exam and the release of your test scores, and you are constantly second-guessing yourself. You've probably gone over each section of the CPA exam a thousand times in your head and second-guessed every answer you gave on the test. Post-test anxiety is completely normal and very common, but there are ways to ease your stress over test scores. In this blog, we'll take a look at a few tips on ways to relieve anxiety while you wait for the result of the CPA exam.

Don't Allow Yourself Time to Worry

Waiting gives our minds time to wander, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, and even anger over whatever it is we are having to wait for. The very best way to relieve anxiety over the wait period for your CPA exam scores is to stay busy. After you've just spent months of studying and participating in CPA review courses, staying busy might be the last thing you wish to do, but when we have time to think, we have time to worry. Now, just because I advise staying busy doesn't necessarily mean that I think you should fill that time with work. Instead, do relaxing things like scheduling coffee dates with friends, hunting and fishing, or taking your kids to the park after school, you know, all the things you had to give up in the months you spent preparing for the exam. Maybe even tackle that home improvement project you've been putting off or re-join the recreational sports league you have to give up while you were focusing on the CPA exam.

Exercise

It's no secret that working out is one of the best ways to relieve stress and anxiety. Maybe you don't feel comfortable joining a gym, but there are plenty of other fun ways to exercise. Yoga is my personal favorite, and in my opinion, it's the most relaxing form of exercise. There are numerous free instructional videos for yoga, Pilates, and even kickboxing available online so if taking a class isn't your thing, you can try these exercises in the comfort of your own home. If these work outs sound like too much of a, well, work out for you, then start taking long walks around your neighborhood or go for a hike. You will be amazed at how much better you feel by adding just a little exercise to your day. It's also a great way to pass the time, instead of sitting around worrying about your test scores.

Go to Your Happy Place

If you're like me, you are most at ease at a live music show or listening to your favorite tunes on full blast in your car or living room. Reward yourself for all the hard work you've put in in the last few months by purchasing tickets to see a favorite performer or group, or at the very least, buy some new tunes for your smart phone and have a spontaneous jam session every time you feel the anxiety setting in. Maybe you want to learn a new instrument. This would be the perfect time to try to learn. One of the best stress relievers is focusing on a new goal, so by putting your time and energy into learning to play the ukulele or harmonica, or whatever tickles your fancy, you don't even give test scores a second thought. Maybe libraries and books make your heart sing, so start spending your free time curled up with a good book at your local library, or go on a shopping spree at your local bookstore. Make a real effort to keep yourself calm and carefree, and be amazed at the results. By the time the scores are in, you've all but forgotten you even took the test.

For more help visit us at the Yaeger CPA Review Blog.