When it comes to exams, the experience can take its toll on your mental and physical health. While some students flourish under pressure, others find it more difficult to keep on top. When we get stressed, high levels of cortisol are released in the brain, which can hinder your way of thinking. Because of this, you must stay calm and collected to get the grades you want.
To help, here are five tips on how to get through exam periods.
Create a Revision Schedule
Make sure that you factor in plenty of time before your exams for revision. Creating a revision timetable will help you establish how much you need to do before your exam. Setting achievable goals from the beginning will give you something to strive towards and help you stay on track. Time management skills are critical for success. So, breaking down your revision into manageable chunks will help you retain information and ensure you remember it once you sit down at your exam desk.
Take Regular Breaks
While you may want to study for hours on end, if you don’t factor in regular breaks, you run the risk of losing concentration and becoming tired. If you try and revise when you feel fatigued, this can make you more anxious and dread your exams. Regular breaks can be a good opportunity to stretch your legs, take your mind off things and help you stay positive. There are platforms where you can make friends from different countries, connecting virtually with those who share similar interests. Finding the right balance between speaking to friends and studying is key for exam success.
Do Something Physical
Regular exercise can boost concentration and productivity, improve cardiovascular health, as well as be a great stress reliever. If you’re panicking about your exams, you should do some physical activity, rather than sit still. A healthy body creates a healthy mind. So, taking care of yourself during exam periods by exercising regularly can help oxygenate your brain and release any tension you’re suffering with. There are lots of exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home, which will help you mentally relax and get you in the right frame of mind for studying.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
If your mind is filled with stress and worry, you’re not going to perform at your best in exams. Whether you have one exam or multiple, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation will provide an escape from your studying. Meditation can lower levels of stress and anxiety, improve self-awareness, and boost self-esteem. Deep breathing exercises can be useful before and during exams which will slow down your heart rate and allow you to focus on your work. Yoga is another relaxation technique that can reduce tension, sharpen concentration, and calm your nervous system.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
If you have an upcoming exam, you must get a good night’s sleep. Good quality sleep is often under-valued but is an essential part of learning. If you’re the type of student who stays up all night trying to cram in as much revision as possible, you may struggle to stay focused once you arrive for your exam. If you have difficulty getting enough sleep, make sure that you place your phone out of sight, and get into the habit of going to sleep and waking up at the same time.
Being in the best frame of mind before your exams can help you overcome stress, boost concentration, and give you the best chance of getting the grades you want. All the tips above can reduce stress levels, help you gather your thoughts, and prepare you for exams.
