Written by: Danielle Baron, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Exam periods can be incredibly stressful for students, with the pressure to perform well and the overwhelming amount of information to absorb. However, there are effective strategies that can help you manage stress and optimise your studying. Each person is unique, so it's important to personalise your approach. Whether you're a neurodivergent or neurotypical student, these tips can be adapted to suit your individual needs.
Here Are Some Suggestions To Consider:
1. Develop A Realistic Study Schedule
Start planning ahead early on and be kind to yourself. Create a study schedule that is achievable and aligns with your abilities and preferences. If you find that your initial revision plan isn't working, be flexible and make adjustments as soon as possible. Remember to include micro-revision slots if necessary, as even a little bit of studying is better than nothing. If you're unsure how to design your schedule, you can find helpful examples on Google.
2. Be The Teacher
Teach Yourself Back: One effective study technique is to teach yourself the material as if you were instructing a class. Explaining concepts out loud helps reinforce your understanding and retention of the information. By adopting the role of the teacher, you engage in active learning and gain a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.
3. Study With A Friend Or Group
Studying with others can provide motivation and enhance engagement. Find a friend or create a study group where you can discuss topics, ask each other questions, and share knowledge. Collaborative studying can make the learning process more enjoyable and help you see different perspectives.
4. Make It Fun
Imagine Being Interviewed on TV: Inject some excitement into your study sessions by having someone ask you specific questions about your topic, as if you were being interviewed on television. This technique can simulate real-world scenarios, test your knowledge, and make studying more interactive and engaging.
5. Reward Yourself Regularly
Motivation is key during exam periods. Set up a system of regular rewards to celebrate your progress and keep yourself motivated. These rewards can be small, such as taking short breaks to enjoy a favourite snack or engaging in a relaxing activity. And don't forget to plan a larger reward for yourself once you've completed your exams, such as a special outing or treat.
6. Overcoming Procrastination
If you find yourself struggling with procrastination, try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. Count down from five, and when you reach one, take action immediately. By using this countdown method, you interrupt the cycle of hesitation and create momentum to start studying.
7. Harness The Power Of Chewing Gum
Believe it or not, chewing gum can have positive effects on cognitive function during studying. Research suggests that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance memory and attention. It may also help reduce stress and anxiety, providing an added benefit during exam periods. However, it's important to note that individual responses can vary.
8. Background Music
If you find music helpful, play it softly in the background while studying. The choice of music genre is entirely up to you, as preferences can differ. Some students find instrumental or classical music soothing, while others may prefer ambient or nature sounds. Experiment with different options and discover what helps you focus best.
9. Prioritise Sleep
Don't underestimate the importance of getting enough sleep. According to the National Health Service (NHS), 16-year-olds should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and well-being. Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health, particularly during adolescence when significant changes are taking place. Lack of sleep can have negative consequences, such as decreased cognitive function, increased stress and anxiety, and impaired physical health.
10. Wear Metaphorical Horse Blinkers
Just as horse blinkers limit a horse's vision to keep it focused on its own path, metaphorical horse blinkers can help you maintain your focus and prevent distractions caused by comparisons. Stay in your own lane and stay true to your own goals and aspirations. Remember that everyone faces their own challenges, regardless of what they may portray outwardly.
By implementing these strategies and adapting them to suit your personal needs, you can combat stress and approach your exams with confidence. Remember, everyone's journey is different, so choose the tips that resonate with you and make them your own. Good luck!
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Danielle Baron, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Danielle catalyses children and adults to rise like a phoenix from the flames 🔥 and to reach their optimum potential. She is an entrepreneur, inspiring 11+ and 7+ entrance exams tutor, rapid transformational therapist®️, business coach for overachievers, a life coach for all, and an NLP Master practitioner, and she is also certified by the ILM.
One of Danielle’s much-loved abilities is being an overachiever because she thrives on the excitement and follows her passion, which is to help people live fulfilling lives.
Over the last five years of her tuition business, Danielle has become extremely popular and respected in the tuition industry and is a mentor and coach to other tutors to help them increase revenue in their businesses, but ultimately to be the best tutors they can be. Her own tuition service incorporates coaching for parents and children throughout the exam process and NLP classes for children to help them with lack of confidence, bullying, and anxiety and to help them focus on the imminent goal of exams and to visualise and believe in their success.
Danielle’s second business, coaching and therapy, has been a long time coming and her personal interest in people and psychology led her to invest in the most high-quality courses to be the best for her clients. For her rapid transformational therapy ®️, she had the privilege of personally being mentored by Marisa Peer, a world-renowned therapist. Rapid transformational therapy is a combination of NLP, CBT, psychotherapy and hypnosis.
It has been Danielle’s personal experiences that have led her to where she is today. At age four, her father died of suicide, which installed in her a determination to help prevent people from ever becoming despaired again. Her best friend passed away at fifteen, which solidified Danielle’s determination to live life to the full. Growing up with a single parent, they struggled with money, but Danielle was very inspired by her mother’s work ethic, which had a huge impact on her.
As a teacher in some schools, the politics and bullying amongst staff were toxic and she suffered from depression, stress and burnout and was treated badly at her most vulnerable time of being pregnant and having a newborn and that’s why she’s passionate about helping teachers. She wishes that she had someone to help her at the time.
She has been through the journey of setting up successful businesses on her own while undertaking childcare as a single parent of two after she divorced and strongly believes anyone can achieve anything they put their mind to with grit, focus, and passion.
