[Bumblebuzz12]

There's a spelling bee at my school and I'm nominated every year because I'm a natural good speller. Last year when tryouts were held I felt obligated to try out because of my parents. As soon as it was my turn I got very nervous and told the lady I didn't want to do this anymore. When I told my parents they were so upset and told me it was ridiculous that I was scared of something so petty.
This year I tried out and made it in successfully(my teacher forced me to even when I told her i didn't want to). Now every time I hear or see 'spell' I freak out. Two years ago when I did this I was shaking, had a very bad tummy ache, felt light headed, was sweating like a pig, and had a lisp( which rarely happens) so they asked me to repeat myself often. I don't want to feel this anymore it's overwhelming. I have exams this week also so i have enough on my plate. Any tips for calming myself down.

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi Bumblebuzz12

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling anxious about this.

It seems to me as if others are putting pressure on you. Which makes you feel as if you have an expectation to live up to and perform.

I don't think it's the actually spelling test that threw you last time. It was the anxiety that you felt due to the demands, how you perceived them at the time, to perform.

Focus on your exams.

That's priority.

Try get a weekly calendar with a schedule to take your mind off things.

Write down what you want to study / commit to each day and take it from there.

But.

Be sure to include some "me" time where you can have a bit of down time and unwind.

Good luck for those exams. Only because you deserve to do your best. Not because others expect you to.

[mannasat81]

Hi. I'm sorry that this makes you feel so overwhelmed. It's quite the opposite for me as this would be something welcomed that would actually ease my anxiety so although I can relate to your feelings of fear, what makes us anxious differs.
I am going to suggest that if you don't already, work some deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. This sometimes helps ease stress overall. I'm not sure of your age, but if you can openly speak to your parents about how uneasy this makes you feel and how you would rather focus on your exams, please be honest with them and let them know.
If you have to do it, find someway to make a game out of it. I find if I distract myself when I am feeling anxious (like I am doing now) it helps a lot. Try to count how many people have glasses, how many have red shirts, how many girls, how many boys, things like that. You can be aware of the competition, but kind of lose yourself too.
I hope all goes well and you feel better soon!