Although 2020 is drawing to a close, and we have about 6 weeks left till Christmas.
Although summer has finally shown up to the party and there is a feeling in the air of celebration, of family, of fun.
There is one thing that you need to get through before you can kick back and relax at the beach with your friends. That's right, final exams are here.
Exam time can be very stressful and in a year like this, with the added COVID 19 pressure it is important to manage your stress levels.
Here are some tips to help you through:
Give yourself enough time to study
Don't leave it until the last minute, ensuring you have enough time to dedicate to each subject can help ease stress and anxiety levels.
Make a time table with adequate time allocation to each subject.
Write down how many exams you have and the days on which you have to sit them. This will help you prioritize which subjects to study for first. You also may have subjects that you need to spend more time on. Find a balance that works for you.
Organize your study space
Make sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes out. Have you got enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Are your distractions out of sight.
Make sure you feel as comfortable and able to focus as possible.
Tidy your study space, a cluttered desk can lead to a cluttered mind. If you study better in complete silence ensure you have a space away from others or share your study plans with your family so they can accommodate you.
Some people study better with music, noise cancelling headphones can help you block out distractions too.
Think about what works for you, and take the time to get it right.
Practice on old exams
One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practice taking past versions. This helps you get used to the format of the questions, and - if you time yourself - can also be good practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.
You can find old NZQA practice exams on this website.
Explain your answers and thoughts to others.
Parents and little brothers and sisters don't have to be annoying around exam time. Use them to your advantage. Explain an answer to a question to them. That will help you to get it clear in your head, and also to highlight any areas where you need more work.
Take Breaks
studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks really helps.
Everyone's different, so develop a study routine that works for you. If you study better in the morning, start early before taking a break at lunchtime. Or, if you're more productive at night time, take a larger break earlier on so you're ready to settle down in the evening.
Try not to feel guilty about being out enjoying the sunshine instead of hunched over your textbooks. Remember Vitamin D is important for a healthy brain.
Drink Lots of Water.
When the body is dehydrated your brain can become sluggish and slow. Make sure to keep your fluids up, during study and exams.
Snack on brain food.
Eat food that help your brain function to the best of its ability.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that may delay brain aging and improve memory
Turmeric and its active compound curcumin have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which help the brain.
Broccoli, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, nuts, oranges, eggs and green tea are tasty options that boost brain power so get snacking.
Get a good nights sleep
Make sure to get a full 8 hours sleep the night before an exam, so your mind and body is well rested and able to function at full capacity.
Good Luck to all our NZQA students, Make us proud!
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