For any of our students, RHS or otherwise, exams are part of your course. If you have a review coming up, be wary of the following:
- Tension
- Headaches or stomach pains
- Irritability
- Change in appetite
These can be signs of exam stress and can ruin your mojo for that big day. If you are experiencing exam stress, or are worried that you may be in danger of experiencing it, take a step back and destress. This can be done in several ways.
Don’t Blame Yourself
If you feel you could have done more, maybe that’s true, but that’s not helpful. Don’t wallow in the ‘I could have done so much more!’ mentality if it’s affecting the way you behave now. Focus on what you can achieve today with regards to your revision.
Set Yourself Realistic Goals
Re-learning the entirety of your course in a 24-hour, caffeine-fuelled revision binge is not going to be the most realistic way to prepare for your upcoming exams. Instead, try to set a reasonable time table that will allow you to get the most out of learning.
Don’t overdo the Coffee
While there are clear benefits to drinking coffee before studying, drinking too much is not going to help you. Too much coffee can trigger more anxiety, digestive issues and even rapid heart rate, so drink with care! Instead, try to limit your coffee intake and stay hydrated as much as possible.
Get enough sleep
Believe it or not, getting enough sleep can be the difference between a good pass and a just-made-it pass. Lack of sleep can also affect your physical health and mental health. Before the big day(s), make sure you’re getting all the rest you need to give yourself the edge for that exam.
Eat properly
Don’t let the stress of exams stop you from feeding yourself well. Eating right can affect how well you can focus and study, so ensure proper nutrition while you revise. Here are some snacks for helping concentration.
Treat yourself
Don’t make the mistake of denying yourself breaks or moments for fun activities. Focusing all your energies on exam revision is not likely to give you better results than ensuring you have breaks where you can relax and reset.
