Introduction of study
The age-old question: When is the best time to study? There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. It is a function of your body clock, your lifestyle and the requirements of your study material. The morning study session vs. the night study session. There are pros and cons of both the morning and the night study session.
Morning Study
Early birds frequently swear by morning study sessions. The payoffs are a crystal-clear head, reduced pressure to multitask your way through your day and the sense that you’ve got a jump on everyone else. And if you’re an early bird, you may realize that you can focus more productively in the morning and soak up information better. But the bad part is that if you’re not naturally a morning person, you may wind up behind. Lack of sleep can have severe implications for your learning.
Night Study
Night owls tend to do best when allowed to perform at their highest level in the evening. The benefit of studying at night is the peace and quiet. You have less to distract you from your work. Plus, for some, knowledge is easier to retain when in close proximity to sleep. But really late-night cram sessions can leave you feeling tired, and you likely have a normal day ahead. Sleep deprivation can cause forgetfulness and inattention.
How to Beat Exam Anxiety with Smart Strategies
Test anxiety is normal, but it doesn’t have to derail your performance. Here are a few strategies to help you remain calm and focused:
Plan Ahead: Do not wait until the last minute, because procrastination is the enemy of calm. Develop an authentic study timetable and stick to it. Divide your study material into smaller parts and assign specific times for each. You’ll be in control and less likely to be left feeling gutted at the end of the summer after a last-minute cram (which is a big cause of anxiety.)
Active Recall: Don’t read your notes passively. Instead, apply active recall methods. You can quiz yourself, create flashcards or teach the material to someone else. This helps to drum it home and give you confidence.
Practice under Pressure: Try to take the exam in exam conditions. Take timed practice tests. This will get you in the habit of the pressure and factors you should consider while working under time constraint.
Take Breaks: Don’t burn yourself out. Taking regular rest is important to stay focused and to avoid burning out. Take breaks — step away from your study space stretch, get some air, do something enjoyable.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Use relaxation practices, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. These can be calming and help with anxiety.
Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure you get enough sleep, are eating healthful diet, and get regular exercise. A healthy body supports. A sound mind in a sound body. Stay away from too much caffeine or sugar, which can make anxiety symptoms worse.
Positive thoughts instead of negative thinking: Do you allow negative thoughts to tear you down and remind yourself of your strengths and past accomplishments. See yourself doing well on the exam.
Get Support: Share your anxiety with a friend, a family member or a counselor. Sharing your emotions can help you feel less isolated and more supported.
By utilizing these ways, you can definitely create a study environment that facilitates learning and minimize anxiety, setting you up for success on your exams.
Also Read: Tips for Students to Avoid Distractions During Study
