Let me tell you a little bit about myself - I am what's known in the industry as a Science Geek - love Science. So... it will come as no surprise, that I didn't start off working with computers, and I certainly didn't start off "shopping". I have a degree in Science, majoring in Microbiology & Biochemistry.
The one thing that everyone that has ever studied Science knows - is that it's hard work. And not just hard work, it's BORING hard work. Let me tell you - it's no fun trying to cram the complete Krebs Cycle in your head at 2AM. I always used to laugh, when I first started working. People would always say - is it hard working in the real world, after you have spent the last 4 years being a student. I am here to tell you, being a student is twice (if not three times) as hard as working. Working is like a walk in the park, compared to all those nights studying (or worrying about what your result is after you have taken the exam).
Why am I studying the Krebs Cycle at this time of morning you ask? Well - I was (& still am) - one of those people that likes to get everything done at the last minute. Not because I'm lazy (well.... 75% of me isn't lazy anyway), but because for me, this gave fantastic results. I can write awesome reports when are due tomorrow, and I could produce great exam results, when I cram everything into my head at the last minute (as much as I don't condone doing this, it worked for me).
I recently came across a product that I wish I had been able to use when I was studying - sure I work better when I study at the last minute - but you also find that when you are studying for 4 days straight (and when you have 8 exams in 1 week that's what you end up doing), your mind goes into a kind of blurrrr - and you eventually can't concentrate, and stuff anymore in there (which is why I don't condone studying at the last minute - unless you find this is what really suits you). The last couple of exams always gave me mediocre results, because my brain just couldn't take any more in - and sure I could have started studying earlier - but my mind just doesn't work that way - I tend to forget things more than a couple of weeks old (much to my colleagues frustration).
The product is a CD full of music. (Huh!?!? - I hear you say). Not just any music, music that has been proven to help you study. Now, this is no new concept - you'll find that babies learn better when listening to Mozart, and that they use music to make chemotherapy more endurable. So.. it makes sense (and indeed has been proven) that music also helps the brain to focus more (and fall asleep less often) when we are studying. Just do a search on Google - "music to help you study", or "music for learning" - or something like that - you are bound to come across one of the music CD's in your neck of the wood. When I was studying I used to have the TV on - because this would help - to have people talking, when I was up at night. But - a CD especially designed for the purpose would have been even better.
Another way to keep your concentration levels up during the stressful time, is to eat properly, and look after yourself (which includes getting as much sleep as you can). The best foods for the brain are complex carbohydrates (i.e. not plain old sugar), with low GI (glycemic index). Examples of such food include: Fruit (apples, grapes, oranges) Cereals (oatmeal) Dairy (Milk, Yoghurt) Grains (rice) Vegetables (salad, kidney beans)
Above all.... remember - it's just an exam. Don't panic about it too much, and you are sure to do better. As long as you have studied, and have been paying attention in class - you are bound to do alright. You don't need to get an A - just try to be the best that you can be (& don't ring up sick on the day - it will only add to your stress, by giving you 3 more days of worry).
After your exam week(s) - don't forget to let your hair down & party - forget about studying for at least a couple of weeks (if not until next year)!
Good Luck...
Shirlene
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