Exam Stress Sleep Hat
Studying is equally as important as sleep.
Why is sleep so important?
Although sleeping seems unproductive, it's at this time that your brain is busy harmonizing every detail you've gathered.
Sleep deprivation makes your forgetting more sticky.
After taking a test, aim to get at least 6–7 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Here are some suggestions:
After every 90-minute study session, pause to refresh.
Avoid caffeinated beverages after 6 PM, as they linger in your system.
Consciously craft a sleep hygiene routine that is soft in nature: dim lights, no screens for at least 30 prior.
Stress Management Strategies
After each study session, stretch or walk for 5–10 minutes as a reward for focused studying.
This technique calms test anxiety: inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7, then exhale for 8.
Journaling directs your focus on the positive, as you are encouraged to write what you know, as opposed to what you don’t.
Increase the volume of high quality fuel and water being consumed
Good brain fueling foods are: blueberries, dark chocolate, nuts, and green tea.
Nutrients should be balanced: protein for focus and carbs for energy. Not eating meals makes exam stress worse.
Check your water: Even mild dehydration makes you tired and unfocussed.
Less Burnout, Better Studying
Use the Pomodoro technique for studying: 25 minutes of deep focus then 5 minutes of rest.
Variety is the spice of life: change the order of your study materials.
Practicing old papers or mock tests can help reduce your anxiety associated with the ‘unknown’.
What Really Helps
Sometimes, the perception of being alone with a test is more stressful than the test itself. Studying with a partner, sharing notes, or simply talking about your issues can help to ease your burden. Also, an exam is merely a snapshot in time and does not determine your worth.
Conclusion: Rest is as crucial as completing your schoolwork. If you practice stress-reduction techniques, study in short intense bursts, and manage your relax time, you will retain your calmness and focus during your tests more.
