You can feel overwhelmed by revisions and practice questions, as Trial or Exams are just around the corner.
As scientists suggest that a little bit of anxiety and pressure is beneficial during exam times. However, when we are stressed and overwhelmed, this can overshadow our productivity levels and ways to absorb information effectively. So we have put together some ways to help you get through this time!
Here are the best ways to manage your stress levels and be prepared for your exams.
Step 1: Reduce your anxiety and stress
Studying and preparing for an upcoming trial or exam can cause major anxiety and stress such as fear of failure, poor testing history or unpreparedness.
The short answer is to create a schedule and stick to it!
Creating a study plan can clarify your goals, study times, resting and relaxation.
By scheduling breaks in between studies and fun things to do after, can not only motivate you to study and can encourage you to have a balanced routine during this stressful period.
However, we know this is easier said than done, so just as an added help, follow the link below for “10 quick ways to eliminate exam stress”
Step 1: Eat, sleep and exercise well
Having well-balanced meals: we all know the temptation to grab the closest and most convenient fast food when it comes to stress eating or a busy lifestyle, but in order to give your brain the food it needs you to need to give your body the food it needs. So instead of a burger and fries why not try foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins!
They are good brain food and helps stabilise energy levels, whereas junk food can cause you to feel worn out.
For more tips follow this link to find the 15 best brain foods!
Getting enough sleep: Sleep is possibly the most important component that our body needs, however, it’s not only our body that craves sleep, our minds do too!
“…sleep plays a big part in both learning and memory. Without enough sleep, it’s tough to focus and take in new information. Your brain also doesn’t have enough time to properly store memories so you can pull them up later. Sleep lets your brain catch up so you’re ready for what’s next.”
– Rachel Reiff Ellis from WEBMD
It also helps boost our metabolism, and can even help even out our blood sugar. Plus as an added extra – it increases our mood, better sleep = good mood!
Exercise! In an enjoyable way!
The way we exercise is also important as it can positively or negatively (me, definitely) impact your mood! Finding the right attitude and the right way for you to relieve that stress and ‘get (or lose) those gains’ is quite important. A light jog, weight training or stretching can definitely be top contenders, however it is not for everyone.
The goal is to get the blood pumping and to have FUN!
So instead of hitting the gym, why not try;
1. Create a hop scotch course and challenge a local kid to best to 5.
2. Go for a bike ride around your neighbourhood, try targeting all the hills!
3. Find Zumba dances on YouTube, or better yet, find an online class!
4. Swimming is also an excellent way to exercise, Marco- polo is a great way to have fun while doing it, or whirlpools.
Step 3: Schedule study and revision time
Priorities your time by mapping out a simple diagram with the dates of each exam and list the topics that need to be covered. In this way, it gives you a clear idea of how much time you will need to study and revise each exam topic.
Take breaks in between 40 minutes of study time, this can help you be as productive as possible.
Mark off the topics you have completed and revised, as it helps you to keep track of your study progress.
Step 4: Study smart – and ask for help!
Studying smartly from your diagram (with the list of topics), can help you to identify which topics you do not understand or need to revisit or main need further assistance on.
LIGHTBULB offers you the right tools to find the right courses and topics. Our platform is available for you to access online or on any mobile device at any time.
Access short videos, practice questions and quizzes that can tackle unfamiliar topics you may encounter. Leverage our Q&A forums to ask or find questions related to your study topic. Trying our free demo can help you resolve your study block or unfamiliar exam topics.
Preparing, practising and revising for your upcoming exams is important, however looking after your mind & body is just as important! All the best with your exams!
Now it is over to you to make the plan happen!
Image: Canva, UnSplash Images
https://aussom.org/7-ways-to-manage-examination-stress/
https://www.daniel-wong.com/2018/09/10/beat-exam-stress/
https://www.savethestudent.org/extra-guides/top-tips-to-beat-the-exam-stress.html
https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-test-anxiety-and-assessment-stress-3145173
https://www.lutherwood.ca/mentalhealth/blog/2015/7-strategies-to-cope-with-exam-stress-and-anxiety
https://www. timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/how-deal-exam-stress
https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/10-of-the-best-brain-foods/?style=quick&utm_source=adwords&adid=340239079676&ad_group_id=59044641735&utm_medium=c-search&utm_term=&utm_campaign=FH-ZA—Search—aynamic-ads-(South-Africa)—desktop&gclid=Cj0KCQjwg7KJBhDyARIsAHrAXaFnPMkgDSRqkyqs8Va-pZGzpKpf_csf7EhtcAHh66NfwuxZjEEKQJUaArVYEALw_wcB
https://facty.com/lifestyle/wellness/10-of-the-best-brain-foods/