Hi again everybody. Hard to believe that this is already the last Iron Warrior issue of the term!?! This issue I will continue on the subject of examinations, which are fast approaching. Exams are a stressful time for everyone, and how you prepare leading into the study break can make all the difference. Here are a few things to keep in mind that will help you succeed this exam period:
Schedule your time! Write down your exam dates on a calendar and schedule study time accordingly. Do it ASAP. Estimate how much time you need to study for each course, and divvy it up throughout the days leading up to your exam. Bear in mind that you will likely need a bit more time than you initially assumed. An ideal situation is where you know the ins and outs of your course a full day before your exam. That day should have about an hour of dedicated light review time for the course, but the majority of your day should be devoted to the next exams in line.
SLEEP! You will be loading your brain to the brim with information. Sleep is an integral part of sorting and storing that information into your long-term memory. On top of that, having a full night’s sleep will keep you feeling fresh and sharp minded, ready to tackle another day of studying or a tricky final. Include bedtime on your study schedule. Going to sleep and waking up at consistent times only increases the effectiveness of your downtime. Try to incorporate these times such that a morning exam won’t require you to wake up earlier than usual. Doctors recommend between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.
Take frequent and regular breaks. Many studies show that students begin to lose focus after 50 minutes of concerted focus. Taking 10 to 15 minutes of break time to get up and move about helps you regain your focus to use the next hour efficiently. Avoid watching TV in this time, as it can be easy to convince yourself to watch a whole season show while you’re at it! Some good study breaks include going for a walk, bathroom breaks, or making a snack for yourself. If you’re having trouble with a question, you might even see it in a new angle when you sit back down!
Eat healthy. Eating regularly and balanced meals ensures your body has all the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function properly. It can be surprising how much better you can feel by eating well. You will feel more confident and more capable. Avoid eating sugary snacks, which will lead to a crash halfway through your 50 minute study block. Lastly, I know it can be hard (I’m a culprit) but ease off on the coffee! Try to limit yourself to one to two cups of coffee MAX per day.
Make time to relax! Naturally you want to study as much as possible, but sometimes taking an hour to hang out with friends or hit the gym can make all the difference for the rest of your study blocks. I’m personally a fan of relaxing for a bit the night before an exam, and immediately after writing an exam. Find out what works for you.
Don’t stress if things could have gone better… easier said than done, eh? Done is done. Stressing about how you did in an exam does you no good. Focus on the exams left ahead of you, and doing well on them.
Naturally, everyone is different. Find out what works for you, and get into a rhythm. Best of luck to everyone, and have a great work term. I look forward to seeing you all in January.
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