Preparing the Mind and Body for the Final Hurdle--Exams

It’s the time of year when my classroom is boiling even by early morning, and my students scramble for the desks on the shady side of the room.

Yes, summer is just a few lunch periods away.

But wait! Students can’t leave for vacations or summer jobs until they have cleared just one more hurdle: final exams.

If you are in junior or senior high school, your exams most likely begin tomorrow or next week, so the biggest chunk of your preparation is over. You have done all the studying, reviewing and self-quizzing you can handle without exploding.

Now it is time to get your body ready for the exams.

First, make sure you sleep about eight hours the night before each test. Don’t stay up late studying--you need the sleep more than the cramming. Crammed material is generally forgotten anyway.

Breakfast is always crucial, but especially on exam day. Skip the doughnuts and soft drinks that seem to be customary for a lot of students, though. The sugar may provide an energy burst, but then it “drops” you quickly and dramatically. Stick with carbohydrates (bread, muffins, bagels) and some fruit for a more steady and effective shot of energy.

Get to class early, sit down and set up your paper, pens, calculator and any other needed supplies. You will have time to hit the restroom or ask your teacher last-minute questions.

Resist the temptation to study at the last minute--it may just confuse you at this point. Instead, practice a few relaxation techniques so you will be able to concentrate and avoid the panic that hits many students when they first look at the exam.

For example, sit in a comfortable position. Some teachers claim you will think better if you sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor; try to politely ignore them.

I say you will do better if you are comfortable--even if that means the lotus position.

Next, inhale slowly and deeply, hold the breath for about three seconds, then exhale slowly. Do this three to five times.

Thinking positively is also a big key to getting relaxed and ready for tests. Block out any negative thoughts, and replace them with positive ones.

Spend a minute or so on letting each of your body parts go limp, from your eyebrows to your shoulders, on down to your toes.

You may notice your heart beat a little faster once you are handed the exam. No problem: just take a few more deep breaths (holding each before exhaling), and your composure will return.

Skim the questions and carefully read all of the instructions twice . That way you can ask the teacher for all needed clarifications before you begin, and you can be sure you are answering the questions in the right format.

Finally, find a few questions that are easiest for you, answer them first, then go on from there, comfortably pacing yourself by keeping an eye on the clock.

Now that you have reached the ancient Athenian ideal of a sound mind and sound body, nothing can stop you!