What To Do Before A Big Test

The day before an exam is arguably the most critical in regard to preparation and can set the tone for the exam day itself. How you rest, eat and take care of yourself the day before can make or break your performance.

Avoid stress! 

Skip the all-nighter cram sesh. Instead, prepare yourself at least a week in advance by creating a study schedule that you can realistically follow. Try to study in 25-minute increments with 5-minute breaks in between (this is known as the Pomodoro Technique). View these breaks as rewards; whether those 5-minutes consist of scrolling through social media, eating a snack, or meditating, these breaks will aid in reducing stress and increasing focus. Setting up a study schedule can also make it easier to comprehend large amounts of information without feeling overwhelmed. When it comes to the day of your test, the best thing to do is review the material throughout the day. If you have adequately prepared for the exam and gone over the material, there is no more studying to be done. Hitting the books and straining yourself the night before will only add stress and anxiety to what you are already feeling.

The importance of nutrition

We must remind ourselves that the food we eat does not only affect us physically but mentally as well. We strongly recommend you avoid stuffing yourself with cake all day before an exam. As mentioned in a recent post from our Instagram page, having a nutritionally balanced diet is known to help improve brain performance. Think of the human body as a machine, like a car. I have a friend who drives a Chevy Camero with a V8 engine. He ensures that the gasoline he puts into it is the best for his car. We must do the same research for our bodies to ensure we are getting the fuel we need to succeed.

A healthy body, a healthy mind

Working out keeps your cognitive function healthy and can help the day before an exam. Studies have shown that working out can help with problem-solving, memory, stress, and anxiety. However, a workout regime should already be a part of your routine. Doing anything drastically different or out of your comfort zone could inhibit your performance during exam season. These recommendations are not necessarily drastic changes, but adding them to your routine can improve overall performance, especially before a test.