Stressed about final exams? Read on
Posted on: 23/Feb/2016 12:27:29 PM
The time around finals is definitely stressful for all students. Hence it is inevitable to practice a few tips and tricks that can help manage the stress levels at such times. Read on the following for some of the proven methods of tackling stress and showing better focus at preparation for final examination:
No cramming - practice to study in intervals. Study for about 20 to 50 minutes and take intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. This is highly effective and more beneficial as compared to cramming. When you distribute your learning process, it shows long term benefits and better retention
Indulge in cardio - according to scientists, students can have better memory power by indulging in cardio activities. This may be of any kind - dancing, jogging, walking, exercising, and so on. This will largely reduce stress level and increase energy level. Hence it is very important to perform cardio activities
Food rich in antioxidants - this is one of the common points often stressed. Eating nutrition rich food before the big day is always recommended. Food rich in carbohydrates and fiber that get slowly digested are best. Example: oatmeal. You should also remember that your diet one week prior to exam also matters. In a test conducted on 16 college students, their performance was seen lower when they were fed with high fat, low carb diet containing meat, cheese, egg and cream for five days.
On the other hand, students who consumed balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables were steady, according to Cameron Holloway, a senior clinical researcher with the University of Oxford. While studying, your brain ingests glucose into it. Hence, give breaks of five minutes amidst your study time. This will help your body generate the required fuel for studying. You can make a significant difference by munching on healthy snack in between. You may have almonds, fruits, yogurt, and so on
Change your study spot - you will definitely get drained when you stick on to the same routine, studying around the same spot. The New York Times reports that a students can largely improve retention just by changing the study room. Such an effect is due to the brain activity; our brain relates the place where we study and what we study. Changing the study location between library, study room, coffee house, etc will have large impact on retention
Time management - you will turn anxious and stressful by cramming all the time. You will also not remember anything you study. Create a balanced study plan and schedule your days wisely
Get enough sleep - most students plan to study all night, but believe it or not, this is a poor idea. According to Pamela Thacher, Associate Professor of Psychology at St. Lawrence University, studying all night will impair reasoning and memory for about four days which will naturally effect in your grades. You will also be forced to get up earlier in the morning which further adds fuel to the fire
Making very simple alterations to your study routine will make all the difference. Set aside your stress and plan your studies well. All the best.
