Ready for Revision? Exam time is stressful for the whole family. So what’s the best way to cope?
There’s no way round it, the answer has to be planning and preparation. Set up your revision timetable as early as possible, that way you can pace yourself. It’s too tempting to put everything off then face a last-minute panic.
How do you study best? Some people prefer to spend a whole day on one subject, others prefer to break their time into smaller blocks and tackle several subjects in short burst. Whichever you choose, make sure you take a short break every hour or so. Pop outside, stretch your legs, have a drink and maybe a snack. Oxygen, nutritious food and water are essential for concentration and mental alertness. Eff ective brain function relies on neurotransmitters, which are chemicals made from amino acids. These are found in food rich in good quality protein, like lean meat, fi sh, soya and beans. In order to convert the amino acids into neurotransmitters the body also need vitamins and minerals, so top up on fruit and vegetables. Refi ned sugar, found in sweets and chocolate releases glucose too quickly into the bloodstream and this can cause mood swings. Emotions run high around exam time anyway, so it is better to snack on nuts, seeds and fruit, which provide a slow, steady release of glucose.
Our brains also depend on proper hydration to function optimally. Brain cells require a delicate balance between water and various elements to operate. Research has found that
if we’re even
slightly dehydrated we fi nd it more diffi cult to focus. Aim to drink around up to 1.5-2 litres of water, diluted fruit juice or herbal teas per day.
Drinks
rich in caff eine, such as Red Bull or coff ee trigger production of the stress hormone cortisol which
70
can make you feel even more edgy and nervous, and make it harder to focus and fi nd the right words under exam pressure.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, or cycling, in between study improves the blood circulation to the brain and actually relieves stress, making you feel more relaxed.
On the day of an exam focus on breathing; slow deep breaths in and out will help to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Try not to engage in pre-or post exam discussion, as this can make you feel anxious.
If you’re well prepared and well-rested then you are ready. But remember they are only exams. They are one measure of your ability taken at one point in time. They do not relate to who you are as a person, or how well you will ultimately do in life. All you can ever do is try your best on the day. Good luck.
What type of learner are you?
Visual learners - prefer note cards and tend to map out information on paper.
Auditory learners - prefer to read their notes aloud, and listen to them being played back.
Kinaesthetic learners need action – Record your voice and play back the information while walking. Take revision notes to the gym and read while running on a treadmill, even sitting on a swing reading notes can work.
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fi
ona@thewireweb.co.uk
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