Do...!
Sleep - its very important to maintain a good sleeping pattern. Make sure that you stop academic work an hour before you go to bed and do something relaxing. If you have thoughts racing around your head, try to do some relaxing slow breathing exercises and clear your head. Keep a pad and pen near the bed so if you do have any important thoughts you can write them down and then relax knowing you won't forget them.
Eat - in order for your brain to absorb information effectively you need to eat regularly. Try and avoid too much junk food, choose wholemeal bread, pasta, nuts and lots of fruit and vegetables instead.
Take Breaks - you will not be able to concentrate for long periods of time if you don't take regular breaks. Try to have a break of around ten minutes every hour; this will break up your revision into smaller blocks and will make it easier to concentrate. Studies show that you are more likely to remember the first and last things that you learn, so taking more breaks gives you more firsts and lasts! If you are spending too long on a subject and not progressing with it, take a break from it and move onto to something you find more understandable.
Exercise - If you are stressed, your body can produce too much adrenaline. Physical activity will use up some of this adrenaline and reduce some of the affects. Short bouts of exercise will also aid concentration and help you to relax, even just going for a brisk walk will help to revitalise your mind. Join the LSESU gym, or just walk around Lincoln's Inn field in the sunshine to clear your head.
Create a good working environment - it is very important that your surroundings are suitable for working. Make sure you are not too hot or cold, that you have enough natural light and minimal distractions such as noise. But don't make it so comfortable that you fall asleep and make sure your working environment is different to the place in which you relax - don't work in bed!
Communicate - talk to your friends, family and your flatmates. But avoid getting to long discussions about how much revision you have (or haven't) done, as this is unlikely to help you to relax!
Relax - try some yoga, tai chi or relaxation techniques. These will help you to keep feeling calm, improve your concentration levels and help you sleep better. Some students say that they take a bath, drink a hot milky drink, read a magazine or a favourite book (not one on your reading list) before they go to bed to help them unwind.
Know when your exams are and arrive on time - mark on a calendar when your exams are and have it visible and accessible so that you can write any extra notes or crucial dates and times on it. Set your alarm clock and ask your flatmates to ensure that you are awake in good time on the days of your exams.
Keep your revision period free - Try to postpone any large events, get time off if you have a part-time job if possible, and do any outstanding essays or written work before the exam period so that you will be able to devote your time to revising.
Plan your time - draw up a reasonable revision timetable allowing time to cover all subjects and have proper breaks.
*Work according to you body's rhythm* - We all have different working patterns and times when our bodies are more susceptible to learning, try and work with your body and revise at the times when it's best for you.
*Don't...!
Don't take stimulants - don't rely on stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine or high energy drinks- this may make you think less clearly. If you're feeling tired, drink lots of water and go for a short walk instead of relying on caffeine.
Don't stay up all night - don't spend the whole night before an exam cramming - this won't benefit you as much as a good night's sleep will. You need to be well rested and have a clear head for your exam. Students who don't sleep the night before have told us they feel that they have underperformed because of this. Just because the library is open 24 hours a day, does not mean you should be in there the whole time!
Don't panic! - if you feel yourself starting to panic - breathe! Over-breathing can lead to a build up of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream which may lead to symptoms of anxiety. In order to combat this you should breathe in and out fully, as if you were relaxed. This will enable you to burn up the extra adrenaline you will be generating and you will start to feel more relaxed.
