Rent A Space is dedicated to providing home storage solutions for all our customers, not least students who are often between accommodation. Moving out of student digs is stressful enough, not least when you have to start packing soon after you’ve completed your exams. It’s with this in mind we have compiled a list of tips to decrease some of that exam stress.
Revising for an exam is one thing. Yet, once the exam approaches, you cannot learn everything in time, so you need a different game plan. Instead of cramming, turn your attention to some good self-care to prepare your mind and body for the exam.
ONE: Exercise
Spending valuable revision time going to the gym may seem counter-intuitive, but stay with us.
Do you ever get those days when you are sat still for so many hours you find you are wired right before bedtime? So you stay up late into the night and then eventually fall asleep only to wake up the next morning feeling groggy?
The way to correct this is to go for an early morning run or walk. Not in the gym (although you can still do your workout as well), but actually outside in the daylight. This ups your melatonin levels in the morning, so you feel sleepier when it goes dark in the evenings.
TWO: Stay away from smartphones and tablets before bedtime
It’s tempting to study as long as possible in the run-up to exam days, but the blue light from your devices is stopping you getting a good night’s sleep. If this is affecting you, we refer you to point 1 for a suggested fix.
THREE: Get some shuteye
Following on from point two, do not, under any circumstance, do an all-nighter. Sleep is an essential ingredient for the memorisation process, so make sure you get between 7 and 9 hours per night, especially when you have an exam in the morning.
FOUR: Spend some time being still and in silence
Some people enjoy a guided meditation in the morning. Others just like to sit in quiet solitude and empty their mind of daily distractions.
Whatever you prefer, you may find that ten minutes of stillness away from the rest of the world has a calming effect on you, reducing stress and restoring some perspective.
FIVE: Breakfast is a must
Good decision-making is compromised when you are hungry, so eat something before the exam. Even if you feel really nervous, a banana is ideal, as it’s not too heavy, it won’t make you fall asleep like a full English, and it contains vitamin B6, which will help settle your nerves.
SIX: Read the questions carefully
Wouldn’t it be a shame to do all that hard work of revision and self-care only to fall down when you answer the question you think you read rather than the actual one on the paper? Be mindful and read every word. Don’t assume. Read it with a pencil if you must or read it backwards to notice every word.
And once you have read the questions, don’t leave any out. The best way to ensure you lose marks is to skip questions, so have a go at every one even if you’re not sure.
Finally, all that’s left to say is good luck, do the best you can, and we’ll see you on the other side.