The quarter flew by, and you have crammed all weekend for your exams. Here are some tips for preparing your mind and body for a successful wrap-up of your courses.
- Rest – Tough to do, when you are convinced that another hour staring at your calculus notes will make the difference, but getting a normal night’s sleep (6-8 hours) helps you avoid fatigue and drowsiness during your exam, and helps your brain assemble information more effectively.
- Eat – Substitute complex carbs for high-sugar, high-caffeine drinks on the morning of the exam. This helps you maintain a steady blood sugar level rather than dealing with peaks and valleys in your brain’s most important nutrient.
- Relax – Give yourself an opportunity to chill, especially if your best friend is spazing about their exams – don’t let their nervousness infect you.
- DO your #1 and #2 – Look, you may have had some extra coffee or caffeinated soda the last couple days, and your eating may have been irregular. If you ignore getting a good mix of fiber and hydration, then it’s not surprising that things aren’t “moving” quite the ways they do normally. Try some apple juice as a natural stool softener, and go to the restroom. It’s a good place to meditate, too.
- No Rec Drugs – Some recreational drugs dull your mental functions even after the immediate highs have worn off. Other prescription drugs are thought to be performance-enhancing for exams, but should never be used by anyone without a prescription, as there are known dangers in these drugs, as well. A seizure or heart rhythm problem can be pretty disruptive to your exam.
- Think “Winning” Thoughts – Okay, not the delusional Charlie Sheen-type ones, but give yourself a boost of confidence walking into the exam. Remember, you are one smart Buckeye!
Good Luck this week!
Roger Miller, MD (OSU Student Health Services)