It’s exam time and you’ve put in so much hard work and study throughout the year, have you not? In order to be at your best on exam day, it’s pays to be prepared both physically and mentally. Here are our top 10 exam preparation tips:
1. Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is important for relaxing and refreshing the mind to boost brain activity for the day ahead. Aim for a minimum of eight hours sleep each night in the lead up exams.
2. Drink plenty of water
Your body loves water so drinking water on a regular basis will not only keep you refreshed, it will also keep your brain hydrated to help it work at its best on exam day.
3. Eat plenty of “Brain Food”
By filling your tummy with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and yoghurt, you’ll be keeping the body and brain well fuelled. This has been proven to boost memory and concentration.
4. Eat Breakfast
Try to eat a good breakfast to help keep energy levels constant and keep those hunger pains away. A low gi breakfast of cereal, muesli or porridge with nuts or fruit is good, as is whole meal toast, eggs and a fruit smoothie.
5. Caffeine and sugar be gone!
Try to avoid drinking caffeine drinks such as energy drinks, soft drinks and coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant so it can elevate your stress levels whilst sugary foods can affect your concentration.
6. Practice makes perfect
Get together with friends for a study group where you can each take turns in challenging each other with tricky questions. Alternatively, practicing by taking past versions of exams can be effective, as can asking mum, dad or brothers and sisters to help you by you explaining answers to questions to them.
7. Take regular study breaks
Studying for an exam can be likened to running a marathon. Preparation and training in the lead up to the big event help to ensure success. Studies have shown that for long term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks and developing a study routine can be beneficial.
8. Take a deep breath
Exam time can be quite unsettling when the butterflies are jumping round in your tummy. If you find you are feeling a little anxious or stressed, try to take regular deep breaths to assist with staying calm and focused. Angling your eyes up when you study, and doing a half smile can also help to make you feel less stressed.
9. Ask for help
If you’re finding a challenge with your study or are feeling overwhelmed, reach out for support from family, friends, fellow students, student counsellors and teachers. Our iTutor Tutor Support team are also here to assist, and of course answer any questions you may have.
10. Confidence is key
Try to focus on what you know and worry less about what you don’t know as confidence doesn’t come when you have all the answers, it comes when you are ready to face all the questions. “Believe you can, and you’re half way there”, Theodore Roosevelt.