If you're a student, school can seem like the most important thing in your life. Your grades appear to be the only thing your parents know about you, and what college or job you are going to get is the only conversation topic these days. With all of this, it can be hard to remember what is really important in your life: your well-being.
A disclaimer about tests: it can only measure how much you know about that particular topic on that day. To be honest, school mainly teaches us how to memorize and recite fact instead of helping us retain and understand the knowledge, so if you learn anything, kudos to you. Give yourself a pat on the back!
Also, your grades do not determine your self-worth, only you do. Grades are important, but they are not everything, so cut yourself some slack. And just in case you are in the there's-no-way-I'm-passing stage, know that there are many good jobs which don't require college degrees, such as medical assistant, phlebotomist, insurance sales agent and much, much more. So, there's always hope for a bright future.
Don't stress too much about studying, and take a break sometimes. I'm not saying procrastinate because you can't take a break from a break, but don't allow your mental or physical health to suffer for school.
Here are some tips to reserve your health:
- As cliche as it is, a warm bath really does help soothe the mind and the muscles.
- Watch your favorite show. Don't binge watch, but one or two episodes is okay.
- Do a crossword puzzle to keep your mind working even while you're not.
- Of course, sleep, because you really won't do well on the test if you're tired.
- Exercise — increasing blood flow helps the mind think.
Imagine this: you are taking the test when, oh no, you come across a question and have no clue what the answer is!
Never fear, these tips will save you:
- Don't panic, worry clogs the mind.
- Process of elimination. There's always at least one that's obviously incorrect, and if an answer has a phrase or name you've never heard it's probably incorrect, the choices should at least ring some sort of bell.
- It's on the tip of your tongue, but you just can't remember? Say the alphabet in your head, so while you're thinking of that, your brain will search for the answer. It sounds crazy, but it works.
- Look for phrases and names you do know in the choices.
- Move on, don't dwell on it. The answer might be in another question.
You will pass, and these tests are not the end of the world. You can accomplish anything. Study, rest, eat, repeat. You are not your grades, but you will try hard for good ones.
Good luck!