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It's December and 'tis the season to catch up on your favourite shows, eat too much, and make New Year's resolutions, which by the way, we all know we won't fulfill. I mean, completely cutting out chocolate? How many hours of sleep did I get when I made that resolution? Anyways, shortly after New Year's, many Whyvillians will be returning to school to endure one of the worst months ever - exams. Simply the thought makes me feel nauseous, and I know I'm not the only one on this site who feels the same way. Studying for exams is simply too difficult when your mind is daydreaming about a dance with Ryan Gosling, and you've winged your way through every functions class. However, not to fret! I've discovered some very efficient methods that will not only help you tackle those exams with jaw-dropping grades, but also provide you with some free time every day to wonder about how Isaac Newton's hair stayed so luscious and poufy throughout the day.
First and foremost, you need create a schedule. When you have everything planned out, it eases the stress because you know you'll be studying the right amount each day to do well on your exam. Ideally, you should be studying about a month before exams, more if the classes are extremely challenging. One of the biggest mistakes people often do, and I am guilty of this as well, is over cram. Don't expect yourself to speed home, and study nonstop, because it's unreasonable, and it will discourage you. What I like to do is give myself an hour after I walk home from school to just relax, have a snack, or take a nap. Then I give myself 45 minutes to study for each of my four classes, with 15 minute breaks for transitions. I then give myself another hour or a half hour to rest, and do 45 minute studying sessions of my two most challenging classes. Whatever you do, make sure you have consistent breaks in between! Also calculate how long it will take you to review each unit, because if certain units are harder or easier, it will help determine the amount of time you should be studying for each class.
Procrastination will ruin you - don't do it. There are many amazing, free extensions you can install on Google Chrome (which if you don't use, I don't trust you). A personal favorite is StayFocusd. It has a "nuclear option" which allows you to block certain social networking sites that you know will distract you, and once initiated, there is no way to stop it until the time is up. While you wait, you might as well study. Other extensions include Website Blocker and Concentrate. Do yourself a favour and get one.
An adequate amount of sleep and a healthy breakfast are very important. If you don't sleep and eat well, you won't study or focus well, and that may ruin all your effort. Try to get a minimum of 8 hours, one or two more, if you can. If you have trouble sleeping, I suggest you grab some melatonin from your nearest pharmacy. It's not very expensive, and works like a charm. For breakfast, you'll want to try and include protein and healthy carbs. Eggs, yogurt, and fruit are great. Most cereals are sugary and make me drowsy, but if they work best for you, throw in some fruits and enjoy!
You need healthy snacks under the couch, in the corner, in your socks; everywhere! Even though you've disabled your social networking sites, you'll still look for excuses to procrastinate and "I'm hungry" is usually the most common one. Your favourite healthy snacks will not only keep you full, but make sure you stay on track.
Exercise! Give yourself an hour or a half to just sweat it out and release tension. It will help decloud your brain, I promise! If you absolutely despise exercise and you know you won't feel the benefits, try to incorporate a couple of jumping jacks in your breaks to get your heart pumping and get your brain in focus.
Have a bottle of water with you at all times and keep sipping while you study. It's important to stay hydrated as it will keep you awake and help prevent a lot of inconveniences at this time
Most importantly -- relax, don't stress. You're going to do absolutely great, especially with all this preparation.
Although these tips seem small and not that convenient, they work wonders! I've tried them last year, and Miss Procrastinator ended up getting almost perfect on all her exams. Also, remember that the sooner you begin the better. With this, I lift three fingers towards you my fellow Whyvillians. May the odds ever be in your favor.
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