Research has shown that success in exams depends on physical as well as intellectual fitness, and while there is no substitute for studying, keeping yourself in good physical shape will help you to make the most of what you have learn. The following advice will enable you to perform at your best at exam time.
Exercise
Many people believe that there are two kinds of student: the fit, sun tanned type with bulging muscles and low IQ, and the weak, pasty academics, who wear thick glasses and pass all their exams. The implication is that are students are either intellectual or physics, which not in fact the case. Recent studies have found the student who takes regular exercise generally do better at school than those who don’t. For example, twenty minutes of aerobic exercise will immediately bring about:
- An important performance in IQ Test
- A reduction in stress
- Improve levels of alertness and concentration
- Faster, clearer, more creative thinking
- An improvement in your memory
So, try to do some aerobic exercise at least three times a week, But remember as exercise peps you up. It’s better not do it near bed time, it could cause insomnia. And on the exam day, exercise before your exam start, preferably outdoors.
Body clocks and sleep
Our bodies and minds are programmed to run to particular schedule and our mental and physical abilities change dramatically during a day. For example, concentration, memory and ability to work without hands, all reach a peak in the afternoon, and fall to a low in the middle of the night. Our body clocks are set and kept in sync by the daylight which also keeps us alert. Confusing your bodies’ clock will make you less alert and less effective. Lack of sleep will stop a surgeon from operating successfully or a pilot from landing a jet , but it will effect a student’s ability to read a book and remember things well.
Some point to remember- If you have to get someone to wake you every morning, you are not getting enough sleep
- You should sleep at regular times so as not confuse your body clock.
- You must get enough day light. Study in a well –lit room, preferably near the window.
- The best to study are between 9.00 – 12.00 noon and then late afternoon between 4.00 and 6.00.
- The worst time are after lunch, because your body clock goes into a dip between 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm., and also late at night. You may think you are more creative after 11.00 pm, but remember he most exams take place during the day. Studying late at night will disrupt your body clock.
- A short nap during the afternoon will help you study and could result in an improved performance – just make sure you don’t fall asleep during your exam.
Final Point
- Don’t study more than four hour or five hours a day on top of your school or other work.
- Whatever you tell yourself or other people, studying with TV or radio on the adversely affect your ability to absorb what you’re trying to learn. The same goes to any background music which competes for your attention. Choose music you find pleasant, not incredible.
- Study with a friend – it help you to feel you aren’t suffering alone.
taken from : Dr. Aric Sigman
