Exam time is particularly stressful. However, many students attempt to deal with this stress in ways that may be not be stress reducing. Some behaviors and attitudes tend to lessen exam performance rather than strengthen it. Here are some guidelines you can follow which will help you learn more efficiently.
Remember that you are not alone: almost everyone gets somewhat anxious at exam time.
It is clear that it does not help to put added stress on yourself by:
1) Keeping irregular hours.
2) Pulling all-nighters.
3) Eating irregularly or eating junk food.
4) Relying on ineffective learning strategies.
Guidelines:
1) Try to stay on a reasonably regular schedule of reviewing, eating, sleeping, and relaxing. Start a week, or preferably two, before exams begin.
2) Don't attempt to study 24 hours a day; your ability to retain material will decrease.
3) Don't force yourself to study beyond your normal limits. If you find that you are only able to concentrate for only ten or twenty minutes, study for only that period of time and then take a short break. In fact, short and regular study periods are more productive than lengthy single sessions.
4) Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of fluids. Excessive amounts of coffee, caffeine drinks or pills may cause confusion that may deter learning.
5) Don't use drugs or alcohol -- they can decrease your ability to think clearly. Take medication only under the supervision of a physician.
6) Be conservative and reasonable about the demands you place on yourself.
Adapted from: Harvard Law School Health Service
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