So exams are creeping (rapidly) around the corner and needless to say, I was never ready for them to be coming so soon. 'Tis the season to be crusty, with late nights and early mornings of cramming, coffee always on deck and the endless knuckle cramps from the millions of note we have to make. We feel constantly drained of all energy and sometimes motivation, but fear not. This exam period is no different to any other, we WILL make it through.
On this post I am actually going to share some of my basic exam routines that help me survive the crust, and keep me sane and motivated to study hard and get the most out of this tough period in every students life (don't front). So here's it:
- START STUDYING ON TIME. - I know this always sounds like the most obvious thing but really, you should. I give myself at LEAST 2 weekends before my first paper to start writing notes. For exams like Maths, I try and practice everyday for 2 weeks and then start doing past papers closer to the time. This will relieve you of so much stress leading up to your papers as all you will be doing then is revising your notes with a cup - a - coffee and thanking yourself for your advanced planning.
- EAT RIGHT - Exams can be an even bigger deal for some than other people and this could lead to irregular eating patterns or just not eating at all. This is probably the worst thing that you could do to your body as it relies on that healthy food for energy to learn (your work) and to store information. I usually watch my diet very closely leading up to exams as when i eat right, I feel more energized, less tired, and in an overall better mood. When you feel better- you DO better.
- EXERCISE OFTEN - This you probably hear often too but, some of us need to hear it again. Exercising is probably the most important during exam times as it helps with many things such as stress and exhaustion. Exercise helps you focus better when studying as well. People generally think the exercise i am talking about is a hectic gym session, weights, treadmills and the whole 9 yards, when actually exercise is walking your dog (or your self), taking a bike ride around your block or even playing a sport for 30 minuets. Nothing hectic, just get your body moving. I usually go for jogs during exams to clear my mind and get some fresh air to get me back into my study grind.
- GET ENOUGH SLEEP - This is probably the most vital info that Ya Girl can give you.Sleep in general is so important for us teens not only for the beauty of course, but also so helps us synthesis and remember the work we have learnt in study sessions meaning, with sleep we actually have a better chance of doing well than cramming in the early hours of the morning. The other obvious reason is sleep helps us concentrate and focus when we are working. I know personally that when I haven't had enough sleep i find myself falling asleep during my EXAM. This is literally the worst feeling ever, because that is really the incorrect place and time to feel like napping.
Well with that, a huge GOOD LUCK to everyone writing exams in the upcoming weeks and especially to the Matrics of 2014. May you do your best and remember that if you work hard now, you can turn up harder later!
This will be my last post up until exams are over unfortunately, Ya Girl has ambitions for her life ;)
Xo- Zee
