Final exams are just around the corner, which bring a lot of stress and studying. Every student prepares for the exams and deals with a stress differently, but what does the science say?

We all know the basics like eat healthy, take a break during studying and have a lot of sleep at night, but science suggest much more than just that.

Say Om!

When students look at test the first time, a lot of them “freak out.” In the scientific way it means that the emotional thinking overrules or takes over the rational thinking, which one needs in order to perform well. “Research suggests meditation can reduce anxiety and boost attention spam.” So before the test or when one opens the test, take a deep breath, say om  and wait until the rational thinking comes back.

Eat omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Try to eat omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; it reduces the anxiety during the test, which helps to a stronger performance. One can find omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid in some types fish, nuts or olive oil.

When you read, be loud!

Everyone is used to reading quietly, but if one reads loud it kills two flies with one rock. Because reading the material out loud helps the brain store the information in two ways: visual and auditory. This makes studying more effective and productive.

Write, Write, Write and Write.

As as second language speaker, I strongly agree with this. There is not a better way to learn a new vocabulary then write the word multiple times on the paper, while saying up loud. In regards of studying, “Research suggests we store information more securely when we write it out by hand than when we type it.” This does not mean to rewrite every single note, but to rewrite the most important of ideas and points.

Are you sleepy? Well, study.

Before you go to bed, take 10-15 minutes to review the material. Do not actually work in bed, like calculations, because that would make falling a sleep even harder. But if one reviews the material right before going to bed, brain strengthens new memories over the sleep, which is one of the benefit of good night sleep.

Citations: 

Lebowitz, Shana. “22 Science-Backed Study Tips to Ace a Test.” Greatist. Greatist,            8 Sept. 2015. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.