Important Tips to Keep in Mind before CBSE Exams

Taking an exam is so stressful that only studying is not enough. You have to be prepared mentally and physically also. Otherwise, all the hard work can go waste.

Preparing for the major exams can be compared to a sportsman preparing for his game. Eating the right kind of food, having the right attitude, taking adequate rest...all is important while preparing for your exam. These may be simple things but it can make a lot of difference to your mental clarity and performance.

You may be thinking “of course, I know this,” but do you take care. During exams, students start consuming energy drinks. They have an erratic sleeping routine and they sleep very less. Convenience food becomes a routine. And students take it for granted. There is always so much to revise, it is so stressful are the common excuses. But it is more harmful than helpful. It increases stress level. Not having slept properly, you will not be able to perform your best.

Follow these 10 tips and see the difference:

1. Sleep well

Sleep has an enormous effect on your ability to concentrate, memorise, recall information etc. It has been proven that if you don’t sleep for 21 hours straight, your mental capacity has been reduced to someone who is legally drunk. How can such a person appear for the exam when not clear-headed?

It becomes necessary to sleep an average of 8 hours a night. If you don't sleep the whole night it will adversely affect your performance in the exam next day.

2. Exercise half an hour, every day

Spending an hour at the gym every day is recommended. During exam days even 30 minutes of walking, jogging or any other physical exercise should be enough. 

CBSE Students often give up exercising as they feel they should give all the time to studies. But this turns out to be a big mistake.

Exercise helps to relieve stress and anxiety. It is a brain booster as it gets the blood flowing to the brain. Blood supplies oxygen, antioxidant and glucose to a brain which enables you to think more clearly.

Exercise should be taken seriously and treated as an investment in a preparation of final marks.

3. Consume a lot of water

A large percentage of a brain is water. The brain needs to be continuously hydrated. We will not be able to think clearly and have a foggy memory without water. Ensure taking regular sips of water while studying and during exams.

4. Your teachers have your best interest in their mind

Students often think they are in the bad looks of the teacher and the teacher will point out their mistakes too often or not give appropriate marks.

You have to understand the teachers want to see you doing better and improve with every test they give you. So answer what you know, don’t be scared to go back to the teacher and clarify your doubts.

5. Focus on what you know than what you don’t know

On the last day, there is no point in worry about the topics you don’t know too well. It is better to just revise the whole syllabi and focus on what you know very well. It will boost your confidence and you will be able to perform very well.

6. Eat a nutritious breakfast with low GI

Skipping breakfast during exam days is not a good idea. It reduces 20-40% in thinking skills (concentration, memory and alertness). Eat a nutritious breakfast with a low GI. It will make you feel fuller for longer, stabilise your mood and give you a lot of energy.

Let’s see some healthy breakfast ideas:

• Muesli or porridge with nuts and chopped fruit
• Wholegrain toast with a topping of baked beans, tomatoes etc. A slice of fruit.
• An omelette made with some vegetables
• A fruit smoothy

7. Caffeine (energy drinks, coke and coffee) to be avoided

Caffeine is a stimulating drug. It definitely gives us a rush and helps in fighting sleep. Eventually, the effect will wear out and leave you cranky and want more.

Since it is diuretic, it will make you urinate more. You will not only lose water but also the desire to consume soft drinks will increase.

Interestingly studies have shown that sipping coffee or coke induces a state of stress. Adrenal glands produce stress hormones.

Over a period of time, gradually replace caffeinated drinks with water. Get in the habit of drinking clear water. If you do want something sweet, try lemonade or low GI apple juice with no added sugar.

8. Go straight home after the exam

Students have a habit of discussing their exam with their friends. They compare the answers given for the questions. It will only increase the anxiety level. Sometimes knowing you answered the question wrong will prevent you to prepare for next exam as you will keep thinking about it

It is better not to discuss. Just go home and concentrate on the next exam.

9. Breathe deeply

If you come across a question you don't know, don't panic. Just take a few deep breaths. Since you are not sure of it just move on to the next question.

Thinking or worrying about that question may mess up your other answers. So just move on and you can always come back to that question later.

10. Dealing with writer's cramp/elbow

Many students are familiar with writer’s cramp/elbow. There are several reasons for it. You may be holding the pen too tight. Relax your grip on pen and don’t press down on the paper too hard.

A 3-hour CBSE exam paper can make anyone tired. When it starts hurting take a break for a few minutes, and stretch out your hand. This again will not be wastage of time but an investment to do better.