Exam days can be overwhelming with stress and anxiety but starting your morning with a few simple and effective habits can help set you up for success!
Aqida shares how she has learned to prepare for an exam day to feel calm and at the best...
1. Start your day right
On exam mornings, it’s important to begin by waking up early to avoid rushing. I try to wake up at least 2 hours before the exam, as it gives me enough time to shake off any grogginess, eat a nutritious breakfast, and mentally prepare for the exam without feeling rushed. It also gives me enough time to double-check that I have everything ready or even make some time for light stretching to ease my nerves.
2. Energise and hydrate
Fuelling your body with the right foods is just as important as preparing your mind. A favourite breakfast of mine to have on exam day is overnight oats. They're so easy and quick to prepare the night before and are packed with energy to maintain focus. Pairing them with fruits or nuts also provides me with an extra boost of brain fuel. Other quick breakfasts include having eggs, yoghurt, or muesli. Hydration is also equally crucial! Even mild dehydration can slow down information processing in the brain, so I always carry a water bottle with me during exams. Another thing to be mindful of is drinking too much coffee. While coffee can help boost alertness, it’s important to avoid going overboard. Too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness, increased heart rate, and anxiety, which might actually hinder your performance during the exam. So, aim for a moderate amount to stay focused without overwhelming yourself!
3. Finding the right environment
The right environment can also make all the difference in helping you stay focused during an exam. Since my exams are remote, finding the right environment for me is essential. I’ve found that taking exams in my room has worked out best, but only if I keep distractions at bay. I always make sure my desk is tidy and organised, with only my essential items in reach. I also put my phone into a drawer to prevent the urge to look at it while I’m doing the exam. A clutter-free space helps keep my mind clear and ensures I can perform my very best. However, if doing the exam at home doesn’t suit you, there are other alternatives you can consider. For example, there are numerous quiet study spaces on campus and in the city which you can book! Whichever option you choose, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to settle in, get into the right headspace and check that things like Inspera are working as needed. Different people work best in different settings, so try experimenting to see what fits you best beforehand!
4. Avoiding cramming
One of the most important tips for exam day is to avoid cramming! While it may be tempting to try to squeeze a few extra facts in right before the exam, this approach can induce more stress. It can even lead to feelings of panic or anxiety, which makes it harder to absorb any information. Instead, trust the preparation you’ve already done. Trying to cram more information can actually make it harder to recall what you already know!
5. Calm any nerves
To help calm pre-exam nerves, engaging in relaxation techniques is also really useful. Trying techniques like breathing exercises (e.g., breathing in through your nose for 3 seconds and then breathing out through your mouth for 5) or visualisation (imagining a calming or peaceful environment) can reduce stress. I’d also recommend listening to the Exam Today podcast on the BeWell app. This is a short, three-minute podcast to help you calm any nerves you may have before an exam. It offers comforting advice and has reassured me on days I feel less confident. I’d highly encourage giving it a listen!
Follow these simple tips to help give you the best chance of success... Good luck!
Respond
