Exams – they’re a part of life, designed to test knowledge and help determine the direction we’re going in. From essays, assignments to tests and exams, these can all pose a challenging and nervous time. While there is no quick fire way to learning everything you might be asked, taking the time to revise and prepare will help to make you feel more in control, and equipped to give your best efforts for the best results.
RESCUE REMEDY® has teamed up with the director of the Stress Management Society, Neil Shah, to provide the following tips on how to keep on top of the exam period, while remaining calm and focused:
- Manage your study time: it is important to schedule your work. Draw up a balanced and realistic revision schedule and stick to it. Studying for long periods of time will not benefit you in the long term as human brains can only maintain concentration for 90 minutes at one time. Have regular breaks and schedule time to do the things you enjoy. Also, be aware of when you work best; some people prefer studying early in the morning and others prefer to stay up late. When are you most productive?
- Stop comparing yourself with others; adopt a revision technique that works for you: Everyone has a different approach to revision. Choose your own method and find the revision style that suits you. Some examples are: revising alone in a quiet room, revising with a friend, going to the library, playing music in the background, working on the computer and so on.
- Manage your study space: Avoid technology, television or social media when you are studying. Keep your study room clean and clear to avoid distraction.
- Keep a healthy lifestyle: Eat right and don’t skip any meals, especially breakfast. Good nutrition fuels your brain as well as your body. Also make sure you keep hydrated as your brain can only function at its best when hydrated. When in a state of stress, our bodies are expecting a physical response – fight or flight. Engaging in physical activity such as short walks in the park, going to the gym or simply some stretching is the best way to burn off your stress and re-gain focus.
- Get support: If you find that you are feeling stressed, allow yourself a break to spend some time with your relatives or your friends. Some social interaction will take your mind off revision for a while and give you a mental break. You can then go back to revision feeling reenergised and focused. Also, don’t be afraid to get some help. Teaching is often the best way of learning; why not try to teach/present different topics to different friends?
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Don't sacrifice a good night’s sleep for a night cramming your revision. Every student has been tempted to do, or has done this but it is a false economy. The temptation may be to stay up late and use every hour available to revise if you are really conscientious or cram for the night before an exam if you are last minute. Cramming is a poor revision strategy and not getting enough sleep can hinder your concentration, mood, memory and judgement. Sleep is so important to maintain good mental and physical health. It is natures healer; the opportunity for your brain and body to repair themselves from the stresses of the day and build and develop for the future. Don’t be tempted to forego it!
If it all gets a little too much to handle why not take a moment out with RESCUE REMEDY. RESCUE REMEDY is specially blended from five Bach™ Original Flower Remedies. These flower essences are Star of Bethlehem, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Cherry Plum. When you need to get the most from your busy day, take comfort that RESCUE REMEDY is by your side and it can be used anytime, anywhere and is suitable for all the family.
The pleasant-tasting Pastilles come in Elderflower & Orange or Blackcurrant flavour in a handy snap-fast tin. Please note the Pastilles are not suitable for vegans.
For more information, go to www.rescueremedy.com.au
