While there is much ongoing debate regarding the utility of standardized tests, the fact of the matter is that these tests and their results currently have an impact on students' academic goals and career aspirations. Therefore, it is in your best interest to prepare thoroughly for them, oftentimes through dedicating a certain amount of time where the main focus of your time is solely studying. Many medical schools, for example, will dedicate 4-5 weeks (or longer) to support students studying for the Step 1 and Step 2 board exams. Overall, the process is daunting.
Here are some tips for balancing stress during your dedicated study blocks:
1. Consistent Sleep
Studies have shown that consistent sleep, both in length of sleep and start and end time, is important for feeling well-rested the next day. Perhaps paradoxically, dedicated study blocks are one of the few times where you have full control to do this, and it is important to take full advantage of this. Getting your body into a rhythm of bedtime and wakeup time will go a long way towards consolidating the things you learn during your studying. If you find yourself at bedtime wanting to get through a couple more practice questions or finish reviewing that practice test, set it down and continue in the morning!
Hand in hand with consistent sleep is proper sleep hygiene, including avoiding bright lights right before bed and making sure that you have a study spot that is not your bed. The latter will ensure that your body recognizes that it is time to sleep when you lay in bed. The former may be a challenge if much of your studying is based on a computer, but a good workaround can be to switch to a study book closer to bedtime, or to spend the last hour or so of the day relaxing!
2. Exercise
Studying is inherently stationary, and staying put for the entire day is not going to help your brain digest large amounts of information. Stepping outside each day for some movement and fresh air, even if it’s only a 20-minute walk, is important for giving your eyes and brain the recharge they need during a mentally taxing period.
3. Eat Breakfast
On test day, you will want to eat a sizable and healthy breakfast so that hunger is the last thing on your mind while you are taking the test. The brain consumes around 20% of the body’s total caloric consumption, and it will be chugging away during the test! If you are going to prioritize breakfast on test day, you may as well make a habit throughout your study block! Not only will this get your body accustomed to the process of a morning meal (especially if you weren’t previously a breakfast person), it will also help to fuel your studying! The real work is done before test day.
I know how stressful studying for these big tests can be. It is important to remember that the most important things you can do for yourself are the habits listed above, as these are the prerequisite to any successful studying. Good luck!
Comments