Exam period is busy and can sometimes be a little stressful, so we’ve collated some top tips to keep you happy and healthy during this period!
1. Look after yourself
Exam period can be a busy and stressful time, so it’s important to look after yourself to enable you to perform at your best. Make sure you are eating well and drinking plenty of water to aid concentration and fuel yourself. You might be tempted to skip breakfast before an exam if you’re nervous but try having some cereal or wholemeal toast with a piece of fruit.
2. Sleep well
Although staying up late to fit in an extra revision session might seem like a good idea, it’s important you get enough sleep during exam period (well… all year actually). Sleep is when our brain consolidates information and ‘saves’ it into our memory, therefore getting enough sleep will help you remember the information you have been revising for your exams! Being well rested also helps you concentrate.
3. Plan your time
Create an exam timetable and include time for the revision you’d like to do but remember to keep some time free to relax and enjoy yourself. Remember to check the dates, times and locations of your exams to make sure you’re in the right place at the time.
4. Practice
Use past papers to test your knowledge and familiarise yourself with the style of questions you will be asked. If you’re taking practical exams in any subjects, ask your teachers what will happen during the exam and what the format will be.
5. Relax
Don’t feel guilty for taking some time out during exam period to do something you enjoy; it helps you relax and unwind, and you’ll return to your revision more focussed. If you feel yourself becoming stressed outside of or in the exam, take some time to take some deep breaths and focus yourself. You could try making a pact with your friends not to discuss the exam directly before or after the exam!
6. Read the question
Take time to read the question correctly so you can ensure you are giving the examiner what they have asked for. Misreading questions is a common way people lose marks, and it’s one of the easiest to avoid!
7. Keep an eye on your watch
Keep an eye on the time throughout the exam. If you feel you are spending too long on a question, move on and return to it at the end. If you finish your exam with time left over take the time to revisit any questions you found challenging and also to check your answers.
8. If a question asks for working… show it!
Some questions will allocate marks for your working out, so it is important that you write something down, even if you know the answer instantly. The examiner can’t mark what they can’t see!
Remember, if you need advice, support or just someone to talk to during your exams you can speak to family, friends and your teachers.
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