Exams are around the corner, well for some it has already made an appearance! Nerves are on the edge and everything seems to be going awry. I can relate, however after years of having to get to grips with exams and ensure a successful outcome I though i would share some of thee best tips to help your study timetable be effective :)
So here goes!
1. Plan out your study regime.
the best way to do it is to identify your weakest subject all the way to your strongest subject and have more sessions with the weaker subjects. When planning sessions consult your exam timetable so you when you need to be fully prepared and armoured. Make sure you take short but frequent breaks in between your sessions. 45 minutes with 10 minute breaks have been proven to be the most effective.
Pace yourself
Your brain is a muscle. Think about how your body feels when you suddenly do a rigorous exercise routine without bracing yourself a few days in advance. The same applies to your brain.
2. Be organised.
Having a study timetable will only be helpful IF you follow through with it, which will only happen if you are organised. Keep all your study material together and make sure you have everything you need. Those pages that have magically "apparated" (ref. Harry Potter) into thin air source them from a friend or teacher/ lecturer. Have all your stationery together so you don't end up scavenging for items whilst your timer is ticking.
Having separate files or folder for each subject on a desk or in a particular cupboard helps to keep you and your material "together". Same applies for the stationery you use.
3. Figure out the best study method that works for you.
It may be mind mapping, drawing pictures, summarising, highlighting, reading aloud or even acting as a teacher and teaching yourself.
For me the best way was summarising and making colourful and neat study notes - I find that similar colours help you connect related ideas and if it's keywords or lists for a concept I make up silly acronyms to help remember all the factors.
4. Get comfy in your study spot.
Some people can work in the same spot ALL the time, others like me need a change of environment. Remove all distractions ** YES, your cellphone and the internet are catergorised as distractions! PUT IT AWAY - challenge yourself.
Use a cushion to reduce the effect on your bum of having to sit for long durations. Make sure you're not too warm or too cold and you can be comfy in your clothes. It's important as you are going to be writing and moving and sitting (yes, I did use and twice in a row).
I used to ready my desk to study and would end up in different rooms of the house or a specific quiet corners in the different campus libraries with a jersey or blanket (I hate having "cold-feet" mind the pun)
5. Figure out whether you're a silent learner or need something to keep you going
Silent learners usually require a quiet environment (I would recommend this!), whilst others need some noise to keep them going. this is where your playlist will prove to be very useful. Find your spot, plug in, press play and you're almost set.
Ps* try not to listen to songs that you're likely to sing along to - you need to be absorbing your study material, not singing along to your favourite Katy Perry song.
6. EAT.
They say you need to eat healthily - listen to "them". Skipping meals is NOT a good idea and only eating junk is NOT eating correctly. But do keep your favourite snacks and junk food on hand, the nibbles whilst studying does keep your energy level elevated.
I NEED to eat whilst studying. I generally have a good appetite which then increases during the exam period so I rely on my mixed nuts, chewies and chocolate to fill in the gap whilst I'm studying.
7. Get enough SLEEP!!
Those energy drinks are NOT going to give your body the rest it gets whilst you're asleep, so rest and SLEEP! sleeping helps your brain order the material you have studied and if you are the "owl" type nap before you have your all-nighter. If you are the "early-bird" make sure you sleep early so you're well rested and energised to take on the books. DO NOT CRAM the night before or the day of your paper, you will crash and burn. Sleep early and have those 8 hours of sleep before your paper.
I am the the "owl" type. PS** please don't make the mistake of testing out which type of study-person you are during exams - it may just not work out (trust me I learnt that during my trial exams in matric).
8. Stay focused and motivated.
It's all well and good to say I need to study at the beginning put in effort to make a study timetable. Then as exams approach and you write papers or get results back you find yourself losing that drive to study. Yes, it may be a lot of work or you may find it difficult or you may dislike the subject, bit you have to study the material to get it over and done with.
Remember to BELIEVE in yourself, you can do it. Your will power and effort is what has been getting you through so the result you get is only a reflection of how much effort YOU put in. Once again challenge yourself to be more disciplined and remain focused to achieve your true potential.
I often needed pep talks so I would speak to my parents, sister or friends to help pull out of the pit of self-pity. Having loved ones around you during this stressful time is always the silver-lining. They are there to bring you those smiles, ego boosts as well as the midnight snacks and wake you from your pillow of books!
On that note all the best for your exams! I do hope these tips are truly your tips to success and you are able to optimise your potential.
The most important thing is to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
xxx
Saudaa
