As the semester draws to a close and exams are looming, here are a few tips to help you keep your head during revision, and not to be so daunted by the prospect of learning 11 weeks’ worth of information. Some of these things may seem ridiculously obvious, but we all need reminders every now and again of how to take care of ourselves, especially when we’re stressed. I used to go into panic mode when exam season came, but since I’ve been adhering to these 10 simple things, I’m not so worried and my grades have even gone up. I challenge you to take these steps this revision period and see how you do.
1. Have a daily routine
As much as you may want to, try not to allow yourself a lie in every morning. It’s difficult when there are no classes to get up for and the prospect of a day in the library makes you want to hide in your duvet, but you’ll feel so much better if you get lots done in the morning. Make a routine that works for you, not for your housemate, and aim to get out of the house at least once a day (if you prefer to work at home) – in first year a friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, didn’t go outside for 7 days straight. I’m not kidding. Having a repetitive structure will help you to plan your days more effectively. Also, try not to revise for more than about 6-8 hours a day – your brain won’t be able to take in more information than that anyway, so it’s pointless punishing yourself. Use your evenings to relax and forget about work, including the night before the exam. Last minute cramming is not the answer.
2. Take regular breaks
No matter how much you think, ‘the longer I study, the better I’ll do’, it will never come true. Your brain needs to recover from concentrating so hard on one thing, so get up and take a short break about once an hour. Whether it’s just filling up your water bottle, or going to have a 20 minute tea break in the library café with friends, your brain will thank you for it, and it’ll help you work much more efficiently.
3. Make achievable goals
On the first day, go through all the work you have to do and split it up into parts. Be specific about your daily goals, and above all make them achievable. If you don’t, you’ll just end up with a consistent feeling of disappointment. Give yourself small rewards for your hard work (e.g. a tea break or a trip to Starbucks), and allow yourself to feel proud of what you’ve achieved. Smaller goals make each hour of work seem less daunting, not to mention the 2+ weeks of revision. There’s no need to get everything done on the first day. Slow and steady wins the race.
4. Stay focussed
Much easier said than done. However, if you know you only have to concentrate for 20-30 minutes, and then you can have 5 minutes break to check Facebook, you’ll be able to focus more easily. Try your absolute hardest not integrate work and procrastination every 5 minutes, but rather to have short period of focus followed by a reward of internet surfing (be sure to keep an eye on the time though!) Another piece of advice: STAY AWAY FROM BUZZFEED AND SPORCLE. At least until the end of the day when you can relax at home and do Harry Potter quizzes to your heart’s extent.
5. Stay hydrated
Experts are now saying that the ‘8 glasses a day’ rule is a bit excessive, but it is true that the cells in your body can become dehydrated and stop functioning the best they can if you don’t drink anything. So keep yourself hydrated, especially because the library is a very dry environment, with little ventilation. Invest in a colourful water bottle to remind you to keep drinking and to brighten up your desk.
6. Eat well
I’m definitely not saying you need to diet through revision, but eating loads of junk and not eating regularly can have adverse effects on your work and performance. Eat a good breakfast, and then take some snacks with you (fruit, nuts, chocolate etc.) to have at regular intervals throughout the day. If you’re a boredom eater, take something like grapes or seeds – they’re a healthy way to ‘pick’ at food without feeling guilty. Leave about 1 hour to eat lunch. I know you may be itching to get back to work, but your body needs time to digest your food properly and it will allow you to relax and take your mind off your work stress. Try to plan a balanced diet each day, so you know you’re giving your body the right nutrients it needs to function optimally.
7. Stay active
Again, by this I do not mean running a 10k every day or killing yourself in the gym. Great if you’re crazy enough to enjoy that sort of thing, but don’t look to me to join you. Instead, go for beach walks, trundle down Lade Braes, or swim a few lengths in the pool. The benefits of fresh air and a bit of physical activity cannot be stressed enough. No need to break a sweat every single day, but keep moving – don’t just sit in the library for 10 hours a day. That’s just silly.
8. Get plenty of Zs
Students are some of the best sleepers in the world. Fact. And you know what? It really is a gift. It is most likely the last time in your life that you’ll be able to have a lie-in on a weekday and take long afternoon naps on a daily basis. Cherish it, particularly during revision. It is in your sleep that your body is able to repair damaged cells (including brain cells) at a faster rate and therefore function more efficiently the next day. Aim for 8 hours a night (they say sleeping in multiples of 4 hours is the best as it’s when you’re in your lightest sleep). Also, try to turn off your laptop an hour before you go to sleep. I’m guilty of not always adhering to this rule, but when I do it’s amazing how quickly I get to sleep.
9. Learn to love Classic FM
It’s a well-known fact that I am a huge fan of Classic FM. I just love it. And it’s perfect to revise to because there aren’t any lyrics or catchy tunes to distract you, but there’s a bit of noise to cut through the equally distracting silence. Apparently, listening to classical music increases the brain’s organisation and general abilities, and that it helps to maintain “joyous feelings.” I don’t know about you, but I’ll do anything to feel ‘joyous’ during revision. Plus, John Suchet has the most dreamy voice – like the David Attenborough of the radio world.
10. Keep calm and don’t forget to enjoy life
If you take nothing else away from this article, remember this. Exams, whatever they are for, do not define you. It is not the end of the world if you get a bad grade, or even fail – it is far more important to enjoy the short life you have on this earth. Throughout the revision period, do things that you love, be it lying on the sand with an ice cream or watching Disney movies with your housemates. Take a picnic to a park or go putting at the Himalayas. Be with your friends. Obviously you want to be prepared for your exams, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Keep calm and enjoy life.
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful – good luck with your exams!