It is imperative to work hard to take-in large amount of subject knowledge or information for an exam, but if you don't prepare mentally and physically for the exam, all the hard work is a mere waste.
When you are about to take a shot at some major exams, you really have to technically work like a top class athlete. You need to eat right, have the right mental attitude and provide adequate amount of rest for the body.
These simple things can make a sea of change in terms of mental clarity and performance.
You may overlook these as very simple things or this is common sense, but common sense isn't so common and neglecting these simple things leads to complex issues.
Most of us, when preparing for any final exam consume very less water, stay deprived of sleep and consume fatty convenient foods. Many have failed to understand that these practices are not going help in anyway, but rather turn into a disaster.
Here are some tips for taking exams:
Sleep well:
Many studies have proved that sitting over a long a long period of time studying actually doesn't do any benefit; instead deteriorates even the optimum functioning level of the brain.
Studies have found that if you stay awake for 21 hours straight, your mental ability to concentrate memorize and recall information deteriorates.
Though you may have a good feel that you have sat overnight with the book, studying some lessons, but you may not be able to write well on the actual day of exam.
Exercise:
During exam time too, it is imperative to continue on with fitness schedules like walking, mild jogging, swimming and dancing, as it will improve circulation, deviate from lethargy and stress. It could be either 10 minutes of walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, etc. Avoid high intensity training during examinations.
Often students stop exercising when it comes exam time because they begin to think that they don't have enough time and think that they must spend very moment studying. It is a big mistake.
Exercise helps us study more effectively for various reasons. Exercise helps to relieve stress and anxiety. Secondly, it gets blood flowing to your brain (supplying oxygen, antioxidant and glucose) which can help you to think more clearly.
Always, think of daily exercise as an investment in your final marks.
Drink plenty of water:
Mostly, when we can't think clearly and have murky memory, it's primarily because our brains need to be hydrated. While studying and taking your exams, make sure you take regular sips of water. Water acts as neutralizer helping to throw way waste products accumulated in the body.
Eat nutritious breakfast:
Several studies have revealed that students who skip breakfast posses poor thinking skills (i.e. concentration, memory and alertness).
It is important to eat a low GI (Glycemic Index- Low in Carbohyderate), nutritious breakfast to feel fuller for longer, stabilise your mood and give you plenty of energy for the day.
Check out for Low or Moderate GI foods for sustained functioning throughout the day.
Avoid caffeine:
Caffeine is a stimulant. Caffeine is found in energy drinks, coke and coffee.
It gives you a rush and makes you feel good in the short term, but eventually it wears off and leaves you feeling cranky and wanting more.
It's also a diuretic, so it makes you urinate, which means you lose water, become thirsty and want to drink more soft drink.
Try to consider gradually replacing your caffeinated beverages with good old, simple water? If you must drink something sweet, try drinking low GI apple juice with no additional sugar.
Go back straight home after the exam:
Hanging and staying back after exams to meet friends to discuss will certainly trigger anxiety. Though, it can be reassuring to know that you wrote the same answer as your friends, if you find out that you wrote something different and you have another 4 or 5 exams to take, this may throw you off to prepare for the next exam.
The present exam is over. There's nothing much you can do about it, so move on and focus on the next one.
Deep breathing works when you get stuck:
If you come across a question that you were sure, but kicking yourself to get the answer at the right time. Then stop getting worked up how to answer the question. Stop for a moment and take a few deep breathes and keep moving. Slowly by the time you complete your exam it will surely come to your mind automatically. Still, if you are not able to get it in your mind then keep your cool as there is not point getting annoyed for not able to recollect the answer. Losing your cool will only aggravate the situation.
The worst thing you can do is start to panic, because as they say ‘stress makes you stupid'. You won't be able to think clearly.
Dealing with writer's cramp and stiff elbow:
Certainly, many of us are familiar with cramps that slowly creep in your hand as you write. It could be due to varied reasons. Either your muscle is too tight and unable to stretch improper gripping, lack fluid and salt in your entire system, using too thick pen for your fingers to hold, and due to holding your pen too tight.
First of all you need identify the root cause of the problem.
If muscle is tight, stretch your fingers to loosen. Try an alternate gripping, if gripping is the problem. If it is due to lack salt and fluid, drink and keep drinking adequate amount of fluids. Some do have very small fingers, so use a pen that is this and comfortable. Loosen your grip, if you find that your grip is too tight.
The reality is, even with a good pen, your elbow will start to hurt at some point if you're taking a 3 hour exam. When it does hurt, have a rest for a few seconds and stretch it out on your desk.