Have you ever experienced your hearts beating faster, the moment you enter the lab? This feeling is most commonly observed during assessments particularly undergraduate students encountering lab work for the first time. It is termed to be as laboratory anxiety.
What is Laboratory Anxiety?
Laboratory anxiety is a state of discomfort regarding mistakes, performance, results and others often felt by students, researches, laboratory trainees while working in a laboratory settings .
Causes of Laboratory Anxie ty
· Fear of making mistake s.
· Past negative experienc es .
· Pressure of performing well.
· Discouraging behavior from mentors and laboratory pers onnel.
Adverse Effects of Ignoring Laboratory Anxiety
· Chroni c stress
· Lower sel f- esteem
· Reduced academic pe rformance.
· Negative impact on social in teractions.
Ways to manage Labora tory Anxiety
· Doing mindful breathi ng exercises.
· Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities
· Seeking support f rom counselors.
· Practicing labora tory techniques.
· Jou rnaling thoughts.
· Maintaining a heathy lifestyle.
MBH/PS