For most people, success is the result of working steadily
toward a goal. With finals season fast approaching, you may be searching for ways to milk your months of hard work
for every possible ounce of benefit. Here are seven last-minute tips that can
help you finish your prep strong and perform at your peak:
Sleep
source:independent.co.uk
This piece of advice is listed first because it is one of
the most important and most frequently overlooked strategies. Our brains are
at their best when they are rested. If you sit for an exam while exhausted,
you will have a much harder time recalling the information you need to earn a
high score. Exam are designed to assess knowledge and skills that you
accumulate over months of study, so frantically reviewing your notes the week
before the exam will not help you. You can study an hour or so a day to keep
yourself focused and on-topic, but avoid working late into the evening.
Rest your hands
source:webmd.com
Finals are not yet computer-delivered, and this means that
you will be doing quite a bit of writing by hand. It may seem strange to think
about, but tired hands are one factor that can affect your performance.
However, there are ways to minimize the likelihood of aching fingers. On the
day of your exam, bring a stress ball or other stress relief toy that will help
your hands relax from their pencil-clutch posture. You can even bring a small
tube of moisturizer or Tiger Balm to rub into your fingers.
Use your downtime wisely
Part of entering finals week rested and relaxed is feeling
mentally refreshed. make time, for an activity that is fun and relaxing. Go
for a walk, play a video game, or spend time with friends. The
specifics of what you do matter less than ensuring that you do not spend the
week before your exams tense and anxious.
Review class content, but do so selectively
As mentioned above, avoid entirely abandoning your test
prep. Taking a high-stakes exam “cold” is guaranteed to leave you stressed come
test day. Instead of broadly reviewing, however, study several points that are
essential to earning your intended score.
Rest between back-to-back exams
source:whatparentsask.com
Many students report feeling worn out
after just one exam. If you
must complete back-to-back tests, plan ahead to ensure that you will have some
quality rest time between exams. For example, bring music to listen to, and eat
a healthy meal (one including complex carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables to
nourish your brain).
Schedule recovery time
If you have multiple tests on multiple days, do your best
to clear your schedule in the evenings. You will need to relax and sleep in
order for your brain to recharge, and a busy night can interfere with this
process. Do indulge in light exercise (you will be amazed at how effectively it
can reset your mind) or a favorite activity. Continue to eat well, and – as has
been mentioned many times – get your rest! You will be well on your way to
success if you do.
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