Whether you pass your exams or fail is all there is to show for your years in any learning institution. Some have pulled crazy stunts like dipping their legs in water for 48 consecutive hours to stay alert. There are numerous myths that have been bandied around on how to pass exams. Last minute studying is the common favorite for most students. It is also a very common path to failure. How can one pass exams without bodily harm or a mental breakdown?
Jog your memory
Physical exertion helps pump the blood throughout the body. A bit of exercise before studying will pump oxygen into the blood and help keep fresh, feeling rejuvenated and keep able to absorb more.
Relax and rest
Avoiding stressful situations keeps your brain clear of the stress hormone corticotrophin. Unfortunately, many keep reading on after their brains are beyond the peak of their stress curve. It has been shown that taking study breaks and taking a few deep breaths will help keep your brain alert and ready to take in more.
Use the power of active recall
This method works by studying a bit then closing the book and trying to recall what you studied. This is different from reading again and again. This goes very well when complemented with flash cards by the leitner system. Here you move the flash cards with incorrect answers up the line and those correct down. This means you will flash the incorrect cards more and gradually sink in the correct answers.
Listen to some tunes
Music engages parts of the brain that helps improve prediction and keep attention. Listen to Mozart and Vivaldi instead of banging rap music. Music also helps improve the mood which makes you feel better about studying.
Reward yourself
Having a treat every time you complete a study section encourages you study more and stay motivated. This is the Pavlovian conditioning at work and it has worked well over time for many animals including man.
Drink lots of water
Taking in lots of water helps you stay hydrated and flush out toxins. This clears all parts of the body including the brain. Taking some fruits with the water like apples keeps the energy levels up and the brain’s cognitive functions working at full capacity.
Vary the material and technique
Changing scenery and reading schedules help avoid boredom. Switch topics that are hard to tackle and read easier topics. Switching venues also helps as the senses stay alert for new touch, smell, visual sights etc.
