I don't know about you, but it's about a month into the semester and I've already been given quite a few exams and quizzes. Not to mention, midterms are approaching quickly. If you aren't the strongest of test takers (like myself), exams could cause you a lot of stress. Although study sessions are helpful, other things do affect your test taking ability. Contrary to popular belief, staying up all night the day before a big test with cups of coffee and lack of sleep isn't going to make you perform at your very best. Here is a list of 5 things that will help you ace those exams!
1. SLEEP!
Don't let the stress of wanting an A in your class take away from a normal sleep schedule. On the night before an exam, put your phone down early, lay in bed and just relax. Letting your mind unwind and body recharge is crucial to doing well when it's time to take your test.
2. Socialize
Yes, you heard me right. Take some time out of your week to sit around with your friends and grab some food, or just talk! Letting your mind take a break from trying to remember all of those facts will make it less stressful to get it all done. Plus, if you are stressed, you can vent to friends and get it off of your chest, instead of bottling it up and freaking yourself out.
3. Exercise
Working out is a great distraction and stress reliever. When you think you've just about had it, change into some workout gear and hit the gym. Even doing only 30 minutes of cardio can let you work out your anxieties and give your body a boost of energy. Rigorous exercise releases endorphins in your brain, causing you to feel happier, have a pep in your step and be ready to sit down and hit those books again.
4. Eat Well
When people get stressed, many turn to stress eating. We all do it; we have pages of notes to review and chapters to read, so we grab some fries and plow through it. In the days before the exam, try to eat not only healthy food, but maintain a well-balanced diet. Eating well will make you feel better about yourself, give your body more clean energy to run on, and that will make you a better test taker. After your exam is over, then you can go treat yourself.
5. Be Confident
Whether you took the advice above or not, studied for 10 hours or none, go into the exam room with a positive attitude. Telling yourself you can get a good grade on a test will put you in a better mindset than telling yourself you will fail. You probably know more than you think, so don't put yourself down.
Best of luck on all of your exams!
