Exam Stress/Memory problems

[Robyn0312]

About to start sitting my finals and am literally losing my mind - and memory - nothing is staying in and I'm getting increasingly over-stressed.

Any positive comments on calming measures that actually work/ ways to improve memory/ offers of someone free all this week to sit my vivas for me?

[Marmora Man]

I've heard that anti dementia drugs (aditanil ??) help.

Otherwise the traditional recipes for me were:

1. Panic.

2. Gallons of coffee - occasionally laced with whisky

3. Several all night revision sessions

4. Hope

[sophiesofa]

make a countdown calendar and cross the days off to show you that one day it will be over. Also it's important to try and have some time off even if it's just a 20min soak in the bath.

[Mikecg]

The word I think you could be looking for is burnout, too much study and rivision can cause this, have a couple of days off if you can and then review it again, Thats what I have done in the past and it seems to work.

[Robyn0312]

hm well my first exam is at 17:05 today, the wed and friday. Thanks for the tips though, only a week and it's finally all over horrah!

[Jeremy]

Personally I would not advocate all-night revision sessions. In fact, I'd suggest exactly the opposite, lack of sleep makes it impossible to concentrate.

In addition to plenty of sleep, if you find nothing is sinking in, take time out to relax - go for a walk, go out for some lunch, see a film, go for a drink with some friends. Figure out what time of day you concentrate best (for me it's in the morning), and try to do most of your studying then. Make sure you eat properly. Drink plenty of water. Exercise, go for a run or to the gym, play a game of squash or whatever.

[Ted Max]

Robyn, at this late stage with exams this week, I'd say remind yourself how much you do know - rather than what you don't. A good mindset is that you've worked hard to get to this point and this is your chance to show what you know, rather than a trap designed to catch you out. Structure your existing knowledge so that you can best display it, rather than try to accrue lots of late killer facts.

Good luck - you will be fine.

[wee quinnie]

http://www.english.bham.ac.uk/staff/tom/examsinfo/examtips/jon.htm

Robyn, this really helped me last year, and I intend to be applying it again in about 3 days from now!

On other thing I would recommend is taking regular breaks - get up from your desk and go and have a walk around for about 30 minutes or so. Works for me.

[????]

What mikecg said - walk away for a while, don't overload

[Mick Mac]

I do advocate late night study - its when there are least distractions - even if it means you take a lie in in the morning to recover as its important that you still get enough sleep - I work better at night.

But with only a few days to go stress can do you in, so I agree with all those who said take an evening or at least a few hours off - do what you like to do best - cinema, a run, a couple of beers. Reward yourself with this and come back with a new lease of life.

No matter how much you know - its always important that the right questions come up - so good luck.