How to Handle LET Exam Anxiety
If you're not at least a little nervous, you're not human. But anxiety doesn't have to be the enemy. Learn how to channel your nerves into focus and performance.
From Nervous Wreck to Confident Educator
Let's be real: The Licensure Examination for Teachers is a big deal. It's your gateway to a professional career. Feeling the weight of that is normal.
But here's the plot twist: Anxiety doesn't have to be your villain. With the right strategies, it can be your secret weapon. Successful passers aren't fearless; they just know how to dance with their fear.
The Science Behind the Stress
Physical
- Racing heart
- Sweaty palms
- Stomach butterflies
- Insomnia
Mental
- Obsessive worry
- Catastrophizing
- Comparison trap
- Imposter syndrome
Behavioral
- Procrastination
- Over-studying
- Avoidance
- Reassurance seeking
The Pre-Exam Game Plan
Strategy 1: Reframe Fear
"I'm so anxious I can't think straight."
"This anxiety shows I care. I can use this energy to fuel my prep."
Strategy 2: 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Hijack your anxious brain and return to the present:
- 5 things you see (notes, pen, table)
- 4 things you touch (paper, chair, clothes)
- 3 things you hear (breathing, birds, hum)
- 2 things you smell (coffee, air)
- 1 thing you taste (gum, water)
Strategy 3: Strategic Studying
Panic-studying feeds anxiety. Try this instead:
- Focused 90-min blocks with breaks
- Active recall over passive reading
- Timed practice tests to simulate pressure
During the Exam: Anxiety Toolkit
The 4-7-8 Breathing
Your invisible reset button:
- Inhale for 4 counts
- Hold for 7 counts
- Exhale for 8 counts
- Repeat 3 times
Mental Reset Protocol
- Positive Self-Talk: "I belong here."
- Triage: Skip scary questions, come back later.
- Physical Reset: Shoulder roll, neck stretch.
- Perspective: "This is just one exam."
Building Resilience
Sleep Hygiene
7-8 hours. No screens 1hr before bed. Cool room.
Nutrition
Brain foods (nuts, fish). Hydration. Limit caffeine.
Movement
20 mins daily exercise. Nature walks. Dance breaks.
The Night Before Ritual
Anti-Anxiety Protocol
Transform Nerves into Power
Empathy for Future Students
Channel your anxiety into empathy. Every nervous feeling you have now is preparing you to understand the anxious students you will one day teach.
The Philippines needs teachers who understand struggle and have emerged stronger. Your anxiety isn't weakness—it's proof of your humanity and your deep desire to serve.
You've got this, future LPT. Breathe. Believe. Begin.