MaudeCat

Jessica,
Nothing but good can come from meditation and yoga (provided it's peaceful and positive). One of the bsics of both practices is breathing. It's amazing how many of us aren't breathing right, myself included. Keep going and your body will open up and relax in places you didn't know were tense. This and knowing the subject matter for school should help. Along with the longer meditations you can arm yourself with "quick fix" material. While you meditate find an image that is soothing to fill yourself with. I chose a large, soft, white, many-petaled flower that fills my head. It sends out vines of white light throughout my body. I picture, in my mind, my arms, fingers, stomach,etc. filled with this swirling, white light. Choose whatever works for you. You don't have to close your eyes, just stare out into space, like many of us tend to do throughout the day. A few long, deep breaths and you should be good to go. You can do this right before a test or school. I've used the "white light" technique for minor discomforts like toothache or headache. I'm always amazed when it works. There might be some days when it feels like a waste of time or silly. On those days do something else like take a hot bath or listen to your favorite music. Anxiety when you are truly not in any danger (i.e. rabid dog chasing you) is a waste of time. Anxiety never really helps you get things done. Some people may like it. Whatever works. But I have to remind myself often of the big white flower in my head. Also, don't forget to smile. Ohmmmmm.