Research-Based Ways to Live Through Finals

Research-Based Ways to Live Through Finals The finals are obviously stressful. Either youve got a lot to catch up with or simply prove your diligence once again – the pressure is enormous. Fortunately, one doesnt have to struggle alone. Not only your friends and family are always ready to come to the rescue. The whole world of science works to make your life if not awesome, then at least bearable. Dont believe it? Check out our top picks and use them to ace your exams one by one! Move Around Preparing for final exams you may get that â€Å"groundhog day† feeling. Sitting at the same library desk on a daily basis, doodling on its dusty surface, thinking that theres no end to all of that. Not only its a bit frustrating, but it also makes you less sharp at learning and remembering new things. The study has shown, that switching studying locations has a positive impact onto recognition memory. Having placed yourself into a different context, you force your brain to activate and build new, vivid associative connections. That results in better understanding and memorizing the material. So grab that cup of coffee and go to the park to study! Theres never been better excuse for that. Test Yourself Theres no need to whine: we know, youre going to have plenty of those soon. However, forewarned is forearmed. Plus, the research has proven memory tests improve long-term retention. Making yourself go through tests of various forms makes you engage your brain to the greatest extent and think of the material youve got to learn from different sides. Usually, the things you struggle to remember during the preparatory tests will leave deep imprints on your brain. In addition, youll reduce the levels of anxiety when the actual test-day comes. Squeeze Anxiety and finals go hand in hand. No matter, either its pre- or post-exam, it never is a pleasant experience. Theres a remedy, that might help you loosen up and perform better as a result. Thats a progressive muscle relaxation. The process is quite simple: youve got to tighten your muscles group by group, and then let go. Start with the toes and move to the shoulders. Youll feel significantly better, as your muscles will relieve pressure, theyve been holding in for a while. Plus, youre likely to distract from â€Å"I cant do this† thoughts and enter the exam hall with the boost of confidence you need. Take Deep Breaths Aromatherapy demonstrated a beneficial effect onto the students, dealing with pre-exam anxiety. The study concentrated on the impact of lavender and rosemary, however you may feel free to experiment. What sets the perfect mood for getting the grade you need? Is it a zingy orange? Or, possibly, a cool mint? Choose the smell that makes you feel both inspired and calm. Take deep breaths and go for those great results stress-free! C is for Cardio Different research projects keep demonstrating that aerobic exercise is awesome for your brain. Your memory improves, you get less worried. In addition, your cognitive abilities improve: the subjects of the research have completed a certain test before and after a 20-minute bike ride. They coped with the after-ride test a lot faster, maintaining the same level of precision. And you get a leaner body, just as a bonus. Seems pretty cool, doesnt it? Teachem Why do you think your professors are so good at the subjects they teach? Because they repeat pretty much the same stuff over and over again! According to the study, reciting is a highly efficient memorizing tool. Why dont you use it? Retell the material youve been cramming to your friends or family. If these guys dont want to listen to you – teach a bunch of stuffed animals, for instance. (The end justifies the means, right?) The humans are a bit better here, though: they may ask questions, youll have to answer! This helps you look at the topic from different angles, thus, carving it onto your brain. Build a Schedule When it comes to preparation to finals, time-management is essential. Not just when you need to fit a little nap into your tight revision schedule, but also in terms of letting your brain have some rest between studying sessions. This way information will soak in far more effectively. Pomodoro Technique may be of a great help. Youll divide your time into cycles of work and relaxing, lasting for 25 and 5 minutes respectively. The rhythm will keep your brain alert during the active intervals and will help you really cherish those 5 minutes of rest. The length of periods may differ: you could also try the 50/10 principle. Intermittent manner will help you memorize things better, for longer periods of time. Nighty-Night The study has once again demonstrated that sleep deprivation is extremely harmful for ones cognitive functions. You get distracted much easier, things you seem to have memorized forever just leave your head, that buzzes with serene, untouched emptiness. Thus, if you dont want this to happen – dont push your way through the all-nighter. Get the maximum amount of peaceful slumber the last night before the big test. Find out how to study for a test the night before so that it wont be harmful for your health! Sleep On It Your brain strengthens memories in your sleep. The research has shown, that learning new information before going to bed helps you remember it much better next morning. Dont just go over and over the stuff youve known already. Concentrate on new things. Make sure to leave at least an hour of a gap between studying and dozing off: bringing your textbooks and notes to bed may result in deteriorating your quiet sleep. Well, now you know what to do. Get that lavender oil, go for a jog and then study before sleeping! Just kidding. Use the tips you like and brace yourselves. And remember: its going to be just fine! image credit: wikimedia.org