Why Relaxation is Important for Students to Excel in Exams

It is late in the noon and you’ve just returned after finishing an exam. You are famished, weary and in need of sleep. In addition to this, you find yourself worrying about the next paper — what you need to study, which chapters to revise, which diagrams to practise and you end up feeling overwhelmed. If you relate to this, then you need to pause and relax.

It is common to feel pressured during the exam season. While the pressure may help some students stay focused, it becomes a source of stress for many. Worrying over the results of your previous paper will only affect your well-being — which in turn may affect your potential to perform well in the next exam. Therefore, remember to find your balance and make time to take a break to boost your productivity. 

How to Relax Before an Exam?

1. Hit the Snooze Button

You may have heard this a thousand times — a good night’s sleep can do miracles to your mind and body, especially during exams. An uninterrupted sleep of at least six to eight hours can help you focus, revise, memorise and understand concepts much better. 

Studies show that students who sleep better enjoy improved grades, mood and health. You are more likely to feel frustrated and exhausted when you don’t get your daily quota of sleep. A good night’s sleep can heal your physical and mental fatigue. So, the next time you decide to sacrifice your sleep for studying a night before your finals, think twice — for it may do more harm than good.

How to Sleep Better During Exams

• Follow a regular sleep schedule — make sure you wake up and go to bed at the same time, every day.
• Keep your phone away — make sure you stop using your phone at least 30-40 minutes before going to bed.

• Nap, but not too much — napping for even 6 minutes can improve your memory. But make sure you limit your naps to 30 minutes per day.

• Avoid caffeine before bed — resist the urge to sip a cup of coffee, tea or any caffeinated beverage at least 6 hours before bed. Choose healthier alternatives to keep up your energy levels.

2. Get Moving 

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Did you give up your morning walk or yoga session because you need more time to study? Well, think again!

Several studies have shown that an exercise routine can help you prepare better for your next paper. When you exercise, your brain releases hormones like serotonin, dopamine and nor-epinephrine that boost your mood and improve your cognitive function — helping you focus longer. Find an activity that you love and get your friend, sibling or cousin to tag along and keep you motivated. 

How to exercise regularly during exams 

• Choose wisely — pick a workout activity that helps you relax and recharge. It could be a 10-minute walk or even a couple of minutes of breathing exercises.  
• Follow a regular schedule — while some like to start their day with a good workout, others may want to break monotony later in the day with perhaps a long walk. Choose what works best for you.
• On the day of the exam — the goal is to relax and stay focused. Go on a short walk or try breathing exercises to feel less anxious and nervous.

3. Eat Right

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The benefits of eating healthy during exams (and even otherwise) are well known. If you want to sustain the long exam hours, you must nourish your body with the right food that energises you and improves your alertness. Therefore, consume more fruits and vegetables, specifically those rich in Vitamin C — like kiwi, guava, oranges, etc. to feel calmer before exams. 

Do you often crave munching something excessively salty or sweet — like potato chips or chocolate bars? You may think they make you feel better but in reality, they only add to the stress, making you feel sluggish and jittery.

Instead, snack better during exams with healthier alternatives like:

• Protein bars
• Popcorn
• Yoghurt
• Fresh fruits
• Raw veggies
• Nuts

In addition to this, make sure you fulfil your daily essential water intake of 1.5 litres. If you find plain water boring, try adding fresh-cut fruits or veggies such as mint, lemon or cucumber to flavour up your water!

4. Sing Your Heart Out 

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We all know the joy that singing along to our favourite song brings — it is a scientifically backed fact! Research suggests that singing can lift your mood and help you relax, as the act releases endorphins — a happy hormone that is known to relieve stress. So, queue your favourite artist’s playlist and sing!

5. Refresh Your Thoughts 

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One of the best ways to improve your learning is to reboot your mind. Take a moment to pause and feel relaxed and rejuvenated. During exams, you are constantly processing information and trying to understand new concepts which in turn can make you stressed and confused. Therefore, it helps to slow down a little — step out into your balcony or go on a walk and let your mind wander for a while. You could even sit still and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes to feel calm. Remember to nurture positive thoughts and remain confident about potential. You need to learn how to overcome exam fear as this helps with relaxing better.

How do you relax during exams? Tell us in the comments below.