Exam Study Tips: Top 10 Study Tips For All Ages From Our Psychologist

Michele says: Your exam dates are usually given to you well in advance which gives you the opportunity to start preparing for them as soon as possible. In most cases, this doesn’t happen! Learners, college and varsity students and even adult students find themselves cramming for their exams because they didn’t prepare properly beforehand.

1. Set goals and plan for the exams

It is very important to set realistic study goals to achieve exam success. Learn to understand what your strengths and weaknesses, and capabilities are - if for instance, maths is one of your those subjects that you struggle with but you sail through English Lit., you would have to put more time and effort into working towards improving your Maths mark. Be honest with yourself but also remember to be flexible.
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2. When to start?

When is the best time to start studying? I’m often asked that question! Even though most of us don’t follow through on it the answer, without a doubt is throughout the year - setting aside time during the week to revise, read through your notes, and go over work that you don’t understand. However, all is not lost if you haven’t been studying throughout the year! Create a study plan of action for about 4 weeks in advance. In the Feelgood Health range, BrainShine is a natural herbal study and concentration remedy to keep you mentally alert and help to maintain focus while studying.
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3. Create a study time-table

A study time-table will help you to outline your study tasks and keep control of how much time you are devoting to studying. Sticking to a time-table makes it easier because you now know what to study and when to study – this will give you peace of mind and increase your confidence in how you approach studying. Make sure that you include time for regular breaks in between studying as well as time for relaxation and your social life.
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4. Change your mindset

Many young people approach the idea of studying incorrectly. It’s often perceived as “boring”, “stressful”, “hard”, “frustrating” OR “uninspiring”. Start by removing the negative statements and replacing them with POSITIVE thinking. Instead of, “I’m never going to be able to study all this work for this exam”, change it to “If I start now, I can get most it done”. Ask yourself why you are studying - do you want to do well? What is the reward at the end of the day? Remember that you are not studying for someone else or because you are forced to do so! You are studying for YOU and YOUR future!
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5. Where you study does matter

Choose a study space that is conducive for concentrating and focusing. Too many people study in an area with distractions and then wonder why they aren’t able to absorb the information. If your home is noisy, your chair is uncomfortable or the lighting is too dim, make the necessary changes to ensure your comfort and ability to focus.
Younger children will definitely benefit if the TV is turned off for a few hours and their study session is supervised. The number one distraction in today’s age is of course, cell phones – turn them off or on silent so that you can maintain your focus on your studies. While some of us may only be able to concentrate and study in an organised, tidy environment, others function better in a bit of clutter and disorganisation.  Some people also need complete silence to study, on the other hand, others may prefer a bit of background music. It’s what works for you!
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6. Know your learning style

We all learn differently! If Chelsea uses flow charts and diagrams, it doesn’t necessarily mean that study method will work for you. Find what works for you – there really isn’t a right or wrong way! If changing the lyrics of a song will help to you to memorise the countries of Europe, then use it. Learners and students may choose a number of study methods such as revising from old exam papers, using flash cards, studying in a group or getting family members to quiz them on a particular topic.

We all need a boost especially when we are pushing ourselves extra hard! Many students make use of stimulants like coffee or caffeine tablets to keep alert while trying to cram in the work. This usually results in an overstimulated adrenal gland, anxiety, jittery feelings and therefore, decreased ability to concentrate! Natural remedies such as our Focus Formula, BrightSpark and Triple Complex Brain Tonic for children help to promote concentration and retain information without distraction. For teens and adults, our BrainShine helps to improve concentration abilities, enhance mental functioning and stamina to cope with huge workloads and pressure – maintaining alert and focused, yet relaxed and confident.
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7. Fill up on brain food

Eating the right foods while studying for exams can make a significant difference in your ability to perform and excel. Your brain needs the right ‘fuel’ to operate at peak level! Junk food such as chips, chocolates and sweets provide a quick energy fix, but eventually end up sapping your energy levels. Healthier options such as nuts, seeds, yoghurt, fresh fruit, fish and chicken will boost your energy levels and you to help you to stay focused for longer. Limit your caffeine intake and keep your body replenished with plenty of water, herbal teas, freshly pressed juices or fruit smoothies.
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8. Take regular breaks

Burning the candle at both ends or wanting to break the back of it? STOP! Take a break! Parents with children in junior school are often to blame for this! They sit and help their kids to study for hours without taking break – Tyler becomes distracted and his mind drifts off while mom continuously fires questions over and over. Researchers suggest studying in blocks of time – 50 to 60 minutes of studying with a ten minute short break.  During the break, have a snack, stretch, go for a walk, or breathe deeply. Younger children need more frequent breaks. In junior school, do not allow your child to study for more than 30 minutes before taking a break.
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9. When to stop?

Know when to stop studying! Trying to digest new content within 12 to 24 hours of your exam is not going to work. Cramming the night before will place undue stress on yourself – don’t put yourself through that! If you’ve been studying and revising in advance, go over your work lightly again or work through old exam questions. Remember – if you’ve put in the effort, you’ll reap the rewards!
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10. Prep for the day of the exam

Make sure that you are prepared to write your exam – check that you have the correct stationery and equipment the night before, know where and what time you are writing. Believe it or not, but many people  taking an exam forget to bring a pen to write with or arrive late for their exams! This causes undue stress on the day, which affects concentration and memory.  Have a good night’s rest and eat breakfast even if you are nervous. 
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