Examination time yet again!

“Two friends Anoop & Suneet meet each other after completing their exam
Anoop: did you write your exam well?
Suneet: no, I just returned the blank paper.
Anoop: I too did the same.
Suneet: the teacher will think we copied!”

Its time yet again when our nails become shorter, our hair becomes a mess, and time seems to have no pace. Don’t worry! I have the perfect concoction that should help keep your stress levels at bay.

Firsty, study hard! There is no easy way to get through exams.

Tip 1: Before you start studying, now is a good time to ask yourself, who are you doing this for?, and why?, this will give you the motivation needed to study hard.

Tip 2: The average time to study is about 45 mins then a break of about 20mins. Some people prefer to study in the morning then work, others prefer evening after work, it’s up to you as the student to figure out what works best for yourself.

Tip 3: Avoid negative thinking, challenge the negative with positive thoughts. Spend time with people who will have a positive effect on you.

Tip 4: Eat something before you start studying. Food gives your brain the energy that is needed to concentrate for long periods. Fruit is a good idea, the sugars in the fruit will keep you more awake than coffee. Using multi-coloured mind maps is extremely helpful and keeps the mind active, making it easier to absorb and recall information.

Tip 5: It’s vital for you go outside and get some oxygen before and during studying. Do some sort of fitness exercises or even take a stroll, this helps improve your concentration. It is a smart idea to warm up your muscles with some gentle exersices before you start studying to relieve yourself from that nasty tension and get a fresh burst of oxygen. Try drink water during your study.Not drinking enough water may lead to loss of concentration and will make it harder to remember information. It is said you should drink about 250ml of water during a study period of an hour.

Tip 6: To help “sink in” your newly found knowledge, you go over it within 24 hours of first hearing it.

Tip 7: Understand your study material, don’t just try to memorise it. Join a study group if possible, the group may encourage and motivate you to study more regularly.

Tip 8: In the last 24 miniutes it’s too late too learn something new. What you can do is cram some facts into your short-term memory, go over ‘key-points’, keep going till you remember them all or run out of time.

Tip 9: Get at least 6 hours of sleep before your exam, you are more likely to remember information if you had a good night’s rest.

Tip 10: If it is possible, sit in front of the examination room. You will be less likely to be distracted by the person in front of you.

Tip 11: Bring a bottle of water to the exam, it’s a good way of remaining calm and keeps you hydrated, the brain battles to concentrate when slightly dehydrated.

Tip 12: In the exam remember to read the question carefully, know exactly what is expected of you. If you are faced with a mental block don’t freak out, just breathe deeply, relax and ask yourself, “If I did know the answer to this question, what would it be?” Don’t worry when it comes to the exam, stay positive and relaxed, if you are relaxed you will be able to concentrate easier. Breathe slowly and deeply and shun all negative thoughts.

Got some more tips for everyone? Please add them in the comments below.

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