Some people have superstitions about doing well on their exams: sleeping with notes under the pillow the night before, using a lucky pencil, or just drinking coffee religiously for several days leading up to the exam. If you’re struggling to find a successful routine, here are some tips to help you focus the next time that big test/project/paper/deadline rolls around.
Eat the right things.
There are some foods that have been proven to boost concentration. Oatmeal for breakfast will help you feel full longer, keeping hunger from distracting you for a good chunk of the day. Omega-3 and amino acid packed foods like salmon or eggs have also been shown in studies to positively affect mood, memory, and focus. Even simple things like drinking water will keep you hydrated, countering the possible loads of energy drinks or coffee that might have helped you pull that all-nighter to study not long ago.
Meditate.
Not only is meditation a great way to relieve chronic stress, but it can also help you concentrate better, remember more of those little details that seem to escape your mind, and stay energized. Researchers from University of Washington tested the effects of meditation by having their research participants attend weekly two-hour meditation sessions, but you can still benefit from a two-minute session every day. Free apps are also available for download on smartphones to help get you started on making meditation a part of your routine.
Image Source: 10’000 Hours
Exercise.
In addition to calming meditation, regular exercise can also clear that pesky “brain fog”. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that a 10-40 minute exercise routine can lead to an immediate boost in concentration due to the increased blood flow to the brain. Things like picking up a new sport can combine the mental exercise of learning a new skill with physical exercise.
Chew some gum.
Although not everyone’s favorite candy, chewing gum has been seen as a way to maintain and sustain cognitive performance, such as increasing test performances. Studies have shown that it increases alertness, affects motor control, and increases blood flow/oxygen to the brain for a short amount of time. While this may not be the best way to help you study, these results show that chewing gum may give you that extra boost of focus right before your test.
Ultimately, stress reduction, concentration foods, and exercises are just components to any study regime. While tests do not calculate your worth as a person, these tips will hopefully ease your mind and give you that push to succeed.
