A to Z : EXAM SURVIVAL PLAN (Part 5)

SMART WAY TO BEAT STRESS (cont.)

T - Take short tests and quizzes. 

After revisions, always quiz yourself with simple questions. This will not only help boost your confidence before the actual exam but it makes studying fun.

U - Unwind with some games or sport. 

Around the clock work and no break will make you go crazy. You must know how to divide your time for work and play.

V - Visualization and positive throughts. 

Have a mental picture of yourself doing the exam with full confidence. Imagine that you are writing all of them and knowing that all of them are correct. If you can visualize psitively, you can do it.

W - Water. 

Drink water at least 8 glasses of water a day. Avoid carbonated drinks and drinks containing caffeine especially coffee and tea. Though caffeine is an instant boost, in the long run, it will leave you tired and disrupt sleeping patterns.

X - X it out. 

Cross out the syllabus that are not relevant to your exams. This will help you concentrate in important syllabuses and not waste time on irrelevant ones.

Y - You are the key to your success. 

You must know and understand what you have studied and not just memorize it. Memorizing is not going to help you much because questions come in various forms.

Z - Zap away tiredness. 

Your body gets tired after a hard day's worth of studying. Refresh yourself by taking a break for a quick refreshing shower or if possible, a long relaxing warm bath. Add some aromatheraphy oils in your bath to help you relax or aromatheraphy shower gels in the shower. Try lavender scented oil to help you clear your head and relax.

 

A to Z : EXAM SURVIVAL PLAN (Part 4)

SMART WAY TO BEAT STRESS (cont.)

O - Organize your study table. 
If you have a messy, disorganized table, clean it up. A well organized study space will keep you calm and help you concentrate better. You will definitely be in the studying mood when all your books and stationery are easily accessible. 

 P - Plan your studies. 
It is important to have a good study plan and follow that plan. Planning helps you to keep track of the syllabus you need to cover in a ranged time span.

Q - Quiet Zone. 
Peace and quiet is important when studying because it allows you to focus and concentrate. A noisy area can increase stress while studying. Avoid studying with the television or radio on, instead choose a quiet place like your local library to study.


R - Resources and reference. 
Try to get as many resources and reference notes and books. Studying from only one resources might no be helpful. However, when using resources and reference. especially ones off the internet, always remember to check if information is valid and accurate.

S - Sleep. 
During stressful time, you will be plagued by fatigue and tiredness. You cannot concentrate well. Sleep is essential to your body. Your immune system will be at its lowest when you do not get enough rest. Sleep early on the night before the exam.

 

A to Z : EXAM SURVIVAL PLAN (Part 3)

SMART WAY TO BEAT STRESS (cont.)

J - Just take it step by step. 

Trying to finish everything in one go makes it all seem impossible. Break it all down into manageable portions. Do a little bit of studying everyday and do not overhelm yourself with last minute studying.

K - Keep it short and simple. 

Make short and compact notes that you can take along with you for a quickie revision on the way to school or during recess.

L - List things down. 

Checklists help you get organized better. Not only will it reduce stress, you will have better time management as well. Always have two separate checklists, one to check the syllabus and subjects that you have gone through. Make another list for stationery to ensure you have all the required stationery for the exam.

M - Mini massages. 

Japanese Shiatsu style massage are simple and quick. Release tensed facial muscles by running your fingers along your eyebrows and then run them upwards through you hair, down the back of your head to your nape. Mini massages can be used before or in between studying time to improve blood circulation to the brain and helps to relax muscles.

N - Nourishments. 

During exam times, your health should be top priority. You should keep your body well nourished and well rested. If you are sick, you will be worn out easily by fatigue and lose focus on your studies and exam.  

A to Z : EXAM SURVIVAL PLAN (Part 2)

SMART WAY TO BEAT STRESS (cont.)

F - Food for thought. 

Having a well balanced meal is essential. Having the right food will help motivate your brain to concentrate longer and more efficiently. Carbohydrate-rich food helps to release energy more slowly. Fried and oily food causes sleepiness so stock up on fruits and vegetables instead.

G - Group studying. 

The best way to remember something is to teach another person. Arrange for study group sessions where you can share and exchange information with your friends. Plus the woload is divided between group members making it easier to study.

H - Have a laugh. 

Laughter helps your brain to release endorphins. Endorphines help to lighten up your mood and make you feel much better. Try reading a short joke or listen to a silly song every 2 hours interval.

 I - Increase blood flow and oxygen intake. 

Exercising encourage blood flow to your brains. This help to keep you alert. Do some light stretching or jog on the spot for 5 minutes, every half an hour.

A to Z : EXAM SURVIVAL PLAN (Part 1)

SMART WAY TO BEAT STRESS

A - Actively ask questions. 

When you do not know something, always ask for help. Many people feel afraid or shy to ask questions because they feel that asking questions might make them look stupid or useless. First of all, there are no stupid questions. Take the initiative to ask your teachers, parents or friends if you have a question concerning your study or subject.

B - Breath properly. 

Proper breathing allows sufficient intake of oxygen. Lying down does not allow you to breathe properly so do sit up right when you are studying.

C - Use color therapy to assist you while revising. 

Colors have different effects. Bright, cheerful and warm colors like yellow, orange and red can lift your spirits and encourage happiness. Shades of light blue have calming effects. You can try having colorful attires when you are studying.

D - Decorate your revision books and notes with colored ink and pictures. 

Black and white is not only boring but can confuse you. Highlight important facts with colored pens and highlighters. Draw pictures and mind maps relevant to the subjects you are studying to help you remember better.

E - Encourage yourself.

You know how the coach always psyched the team before a big game? Give yourself a 5-minute pep talk before you start revising by looking in the mirror and say positive things like, "You are the best!" and "You can score!".