That time of the year again...

It's that time of year again. The time every student knows. Your're filled with anticipation for the holidays, Christmas is only around the bend and then there's New Year's right after that. Can you believe it's almost time to take it to the next level? But wait! Some horrendous thing has gotten in your way. It leapt up from the waters of procrastination and brings with it the awful realisation that you might not even reach that cherished new year. It strikes fear into the hearts of students all across the globe. Yes... It is known as an exam...

Okay, so I myself am stressing out rather  bit, you know with these marks "influencing the rest of your life" as I've heard repeatedly since midyears. Now it's finally hit. The studies at least seem to be progressing in the right direction. Looks like I'm gunna survive this one. But here are a few of my tips (yes they're everywhere now and you've probably heard them before, but if something is said that frequently, it must be true!).

My favourite one is drinking a lot of water. Okay, so I bend the rules a little... I drink a lot of tea. Now this may sound stupid but hey:

1) you get in some sugar which will give you a bit of energy

2) did you know there is more caffeine in your average cup of English tea than in an entire cup of coffee.

3) there are anti-oxidants in that help your brain function optimally

4) AND you get that water I mentioned.

okay, so it's proven that the tea does not work as well as the water in getting you brain to work as it is not pure water, but what's stopping you from simply alternating the two?

The next thing I do is that I eat. And I eat a lot.

1) your brain burns a whole lotta calories when you're really thinking hard (like while you're studying or writing a test)

2) you need proteins and sugars (sugars here refer to natural carbohydrates)  in your diet to give you the energy you need to write an entire test! Eat a hearty meal of eggs, some meat and toast before a test and snack on dried fruits and nuts while studying!

3) it's important that you keep your brain maintained like a machine. To keep a machine running, remember that you need oil, your brain needs Omega fats and oils to keep it from drying up. The best known source of these is fish.

4) If you struggle getting any of these materials mentioned, go ask your nearest pharmacist about getting supplements for them. Just remember, supplements don't work better if you take more, they can actually start damaging your body, so the key word here is moderation.

I never study alone. "Teaching" a friend what you know, helps you both while studying that subject. You learn your work by reciting it in an understandable manner for another person and they learn by taking in what you say. And everything is easier when you've got friends around! 

Finally my favourite one is rest.

1) Take time to do something personal and relaxing, like playing a game or... writing a blog (:P) it gives your brain some non-think time that recharges you.

2) believe it or not, a repetitive physical exercise is time in which your brain can rest, so go for a jog. Maybe even take your dog or a study partner with you.

3) Sleep! I know we hate it and it's a waste of time, but it's essential. Rather than cramming that last bit (that you won't remember anyway) and tiring yourself out before your next test, take a good night's rest and feel refreshed and ready the nexst day!

That's it from me! Good luck with the exams guys!

 Peace :)