Exam Help & Tips by Jane Thurnell-Read

Got exams looming? Do you need some practical help? Don't panic, here are some easy-to-apply ideas:

Be realistic.
The Counselling Service, Goldsmiths College has lots of advice on its web site including: make a list of all the topics that could come up in each exam. Then make a chart of those you intend to revise. It is unrealistic to cover every topic area for an exam.

Be flexible.
More advice from Goldsmith College: your revision plan should be flexible - it is unlikely that you will be able to keep to it exactly. Include spare days. These can be used to catch up on topics which have taken you more time than you anticipated. You also need suitable rest and recreation intervals.

Summarise.
Use small cue cards and write down the main points. Carry these around with you, so you can make use of odd moments to look at them.

Hold your frontal eminences.
Here’s a useful tip from Touch For Health on how to reduce stress and fear.

Use homeopathy.
Homeopath Linda Lloyd recommends taking the homeopathic remedy AAA (Triple A, containing Aconite, Arg-Nit and Amb-Gris ) in the 30c potency each morning for 3 days before the exam if you are extremely anxious, or your mind goes blank, to help you focus and maintain composure.

Sleep Better.
Here’s some tips on ensuring you get a good night’s sleep.

Manage time well.
Here’s a simple system that can be applied to help you manage time.

Motivate yourself.
Are you motivated by the carrot or the stick? Decide which motivates you, and find the appropriate ‘carrot’ or ‘stick’.

Use Flower Remedies.
The Australian Bush Emergency Remedy is great for all emergency situations. Start to take it several days before the exam. Put 4 drops in a glass of water and sip all the time you’re studying.

Use Indigo Confidence Essence.
Made from crystals and designed to give children confidence in thier life, this is a great exam remedy. Many adults like Indigo Essences Confidence too.

Writing about Your Worries.
Writing about worries eases anxiety and improves test performance. A University of Chicago study published in the journal  Science (January 14 2011) showed that students can benefit before exams. Students can combat test anxiety and improve performance by writing about their worries immediately before the exam begins. Researchers found that students who were prone to test anxiety improved their test scores by nearly one grade point after they were given 10 minutes to write about what was causing them fear. The writing exercise allowed students to unload their anxieties before taking the test and accordingly freed up brainpower needed to complete the test successfully — brainpower that is normally occupied by worries about the test.

Find a therapist who can help you.
Kinesiologists, counsellors, life coaches, hypnotherapists, flower remedy practitioners are just some of the therapists who could help you succeed in your exams. Check out our international therapist listing to find a practitioner near you. Try a self-hypnosis CD to improve your self-esteem, help you pass your driving test, calm your nerves, etc.

Copyright 2007 Jane Thurnell-Read Online Health Shop