Exams can be a significant source of stress, but with the right strategies, you can remain calm and focused, ensuring you solve problems smoothly and efficiently.
Here are 12 tips to help you maintain your composure during exam time.
12 Ways to Maintain Calm and Concentration for Effective Problem-Solving During Exams
1. Studying Effectively Well Before the Exam
To keep calm and focused during the exam, it’s best to prepare yourself well in advance with effective study methods.
There are many ways to do this. For example, you can study with your fellow classmates or ask for additional study time with your teacher at school.
2. Don’t Study with Last-Minute Cramming
When you are about to face an exam, try not to study with the “last-minute cramming” system. Because, it will only make you lack rest time. Lack of rest time will certainly have an impact when the next day you are working on the questions.
Starting to feel sleepy until losing focus will be felt during the exam. Even, a body that is not well-rested will make you panic quickly, so that when facing easy questions, they will feel difficult.
This happens because your brain is not working optimally. Lack of rest reduces oxygen intake to the brain and slows down your brain’s performance. The lack of brain performance will make you often blank and confused when reading questions. You will end up working twice as hard to reread and understand the exam questions.
3. Sufficient Rest
The tip to keep calm and focused during the exam later is that you must have a fit body. Therefore, sufficient rest is very necessary. Don’t stay up late too often and don’t engage in activities that will drain your energy excessively.
Then, when you wake up, try to do a little warm-up before taking a shower. You need to do this so that your body can relax more. Get used to this sleep schedule two weeks before the exam. That way, when the exam day arrives, your body has adapted to the new sleep pattern.
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4. Prepare All Exam Needs Well in Advance
Studying is indeed mandatory for you to be able to face the exam easily. However, there are other preparations that are no less important, namely all the equipment and requirements for the exam.
You must have prepared all your exam needs so that nothing is left behind when you are about to go to the exam venue. Make sure all your needs are complete and in your bag.
It would be better, all these equipment you have prepared in your bag a week before the exam. That way, you don’t need to search for where those important items are located. When morning comes before the exam, you just need to take your bag and go to school calmly.
5. Learn Self-Relaxation Techniques
The next tip for staying calm and focused during the exam is to learn self-relaxation techniques. Learning techniques to relax yourself can be quite useful in calming your mind before the exam. By doing this, you can be calmer and more relaxed, so that all your fears when facing the exam can disappear.
There are many variations of self-relaxation techniques that you can apply. However, we advice is to try techniques that are suitable for your character. Because, everyone has different relaxation points. If you apply the wrong relaxation technique, the technique will not be useful for you.
First, identify what things can make you relax. To get to know them, you just need to remember your habits when you are panicking. There are several common techniques that you can apply when you are panicking. These techniques include taking deep breaths, closing your eyes, and stopping thinking for a moment.
6. Eat & Drink Enough Before the Exam
Before you face the exam, don’t forget to have breakfast, guys. With adequate food and drink intake, you will have enough energy to work on exam questions. When your stomach is full and your thirst is quenched, your concentration will be better.
But remember guys, don’t overdo it either. If you are too full, instead of working on the questions optimally, you will feel sleepy. Also, don’t drink too much if you don’t want to go back and forth to the bathroom.
Just have breakfast with an ideal menu and drink as needed, for example, with two slices of bread and a glass of milk. With a portion like this, your stomach is at least ‘filled’ but not too full.
Best Foods for Studying Before Exam
7. Prepare Thoroughly
Thorough preparation is crucial for instilling confidence. Begin your revision well in advance, create a structured study schedule, and adhere to it rigorously.
Utilize a variety of resources to cover all the material comprehensively. Practicing past papers under timed conditions will familiarize you with the pressure of exam situations.
8. Develop a Routine
Establishing a consistent pre-exam routine can help you unwind and prepare mentally. This routine might involve light physical activity, meditation sessions, or listening to soothing music.
By following the same routine before each exam, you signal to your brain that it’s time to concentrate.
9. Stay Healthy
Your physical well-being significantly influences your mental state. Ensure you prioritize adequate sleep, maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and stay hydrated.
Avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and sugary foods, as they can lead to energy crashes.
10. Learn Relaxation Techniques
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises regularly.
Familiarizing yourself with these techniques will enable you to deploy them effectively during moments of anxiety in exams.
11. Manage Your Time
During the exam, carefully read all questions and allocate your time wisely.
Prioritize questions based on their marks allocation, allocating more time to those carrying higher weightage.
If you encounter difficulties with a question, move on to others and return later with a fresh perspective.
12. Stay Positive
Maintain a positive mindset throughout the exam. Remind yourself of the diligent preparation and hard work you’ve invested.
Confidence can play a crucial role in keeping you calm and focused during challenging moments.
Conclusion
Remember, exams are just one part of your educational journey. By staying calm and focused, you can tackle any problem that comes your way.
