Exam season can be a very stressful time for any student. There is often a lot of pressure to do well, and since exams are usually worth a large part of your final grade, it makes them very important. While it is good to put your best effort into studying and preparing for exams, it is also important to take care of yourself. Working yourself too hard can have negative consequences for you health, and can also negatively impact your grades. Understanding how you study, how you learn and how to take care of yourself during the studying process can help eliminate a lot of extra stress and have you prepared as possible for that final.
Study Habits
It’s important to understand what studying techniques and habits work best for you. Sometimes people study best when on their own as they may be easily distracted by others. If this is the case, make sure you find an area that is quiet and solitary enough for you to be able to focus on the material in front of you. Others may find it more efficient and useful to study with groups of people. If this is the case, find supportive people that you can work with who will not distract you from studying, but will help to increase the effectiveness of your studying. In addition to student space, the layout of your notes and time is also crucial. It is important to organize your notes and plan out your study time to make sure you can make it through all of the content you need to.
Take Breaks
Although studying for your exams is very important, you need to make sure you give yourself the necessary breaks. Doing so will help you to avoid overloading your brain and burning out. Set breaks for yourself (for example, for every hour of studying, give yourself x amount of time to rest). If you overwork yourself, you may actually be less effective studying than if you gave your brain it’s time to rest and process the information you were just covering. If you spend too much consecutive time studying it can become harder and harder to stay focused.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s important to take care of yourself overall wellbeing before an exam. On top of the necessary study breaks, the most important break of all may just be a good night’s rest. The night before and the time leading up to your exam, make sure you get enough sleep. Although pulling an all-nighter may seem beneficial, in the end it can have a negative impact on your performance. Your brain needs rest for it to save and process the information you have learned. In addition to sleep, it’s important to also keep your eating habits in check. During times of stress, you may want to turn towards snack food that may not be the healthiest for you. Such foods, such as greasy french fries, may make you more tired and sluggish. If you want to snack while studying, try a bowl of fruit or a granola bar; anything that will give you a healthy burst of energy to keep your motivation levels high.
Seek Help
If you are struggling with the materials you are studying, there are many people you can turn to for assistance. Whether it be your teacher/professor, teaching assistants, current classmates, or students who have previously taken the course, there are always resources to turn to for extra support. You can try studying with someone else in the class and figure things out together, or better yet, maybe you’ll understand different parts of the information and be able to teach each other. Also, never been afraid to reach out to your teachers. They are always willing to answer any questions you may have, so if something is unclear, go clarify that with them. People want you to succeed and are there to support you.
SchoolTutoring Academy is the premier educational services company for K-12 and college students. We offer tutoring programs for students in K-12, AP classes, and college. To learn more about how we help parents and students in Fallon, Nevada visit: Tutoring in Fallon, Nevada.
