Are you fed up of revision guides patronisingly telling you to eat health foods, sleep and make revision schedules? Well, Bright Network skips all that; here are the 8 tips that will help you succeed and send you into that exam ready to win.
1. Use your moments wisely
The few minutes before you switch off the light is a fantastic time for memorisation. Learning before sleep significantly improves memory retension - so when you're tucked up in bed, have a quick read through of the most important facts, equations or vocabulary. Then switch off.
2. Eat a great meal
Make a special effort to cook yourself a decent meal. I'm not suggesting “brain food” such as nuts or oily fish, but a meal you’d have if you were celebrating and wanted to spoil yourself, such as steak and chocolate tart. It’ll make you feel happy and give you a boost ready for the next day.
3. Laugh
Do one fun thing like watching a comedy show, having a kickabout or fiddling around with photos on instagram. Laughing will relax you, lower stress and help you get a good night’s sleep.
4. Make sure you wake up
Set an alarm. Set two. Get a family member or friend to check you're up if you're still worried. Just make sure you get to the exam in plenty of time.
5. Know when to stop
In the morning, eat a hearty breakfast and go over your most important facts before you leave the house. Then again on the way to the exam. When you arrive at the exam hall, stop using your brain. If you don’t know your stuff by now, you never will! Too much last minute cramming minutes before, can send your brain into a spin.
6. Use the space
When in the exam room, sit comfortably and spread out. It’s proven that when we physically make ourselves larger, by spreading our arms or leaning back on the chair, this releases a type of hormone which makes you more confident. It works - we promise.
7. Don't drink too much
Don’t drink too much water, a sip every hour is all you need. Dehydration is not going to be a problem during the exam, but drinking many pints of water and needing a toilet break every five minutes is. The sip is just for a quick diversion to give your brain and hand a breather.
8. Do what works for you
Finally, everyone is different. Some people like to be on their own around exams, others blare motivational music from their earphones. Maybe you're someone who likes to wear their shiniest pair of high heels for luck. Do whatever puts you in the best frame of mind and you'll be set up perfectly to ace the exam.