What is the optimal exam preparation and what can you do to increase your concentration? Many will preach absolute renunciation of anything fun and steely perseverance. We don't see it as dramatic.
With our trilogy for exam preparation you will find the second part here to increase your concentration. In the first part we helped you determine your learning type and gave tips on learning techniques . Because the exam preparation phase is also a lifetime and with a few little tips you can not only get through it unscathed, but you can also increase your concentration for the study days.
Workplace: Don't be too comfortable
In your comfy clothes on the sofa, with a cup of hot chocolate and thick wool socks on, you won't increase your concentration to infinity. After the first few pages, you'll be more likely to close your eyes and sink into deep dreams. Exam preparation is different! So look for an environment in which you feel comfortable, but don't lose sight of your work. There should be good lighting, because rooms that are too dark will tire quickly and light that is too bright will strain the eyes.
The environment should not be too warm and should be as quiet as possible so that disturbing noises do not distract you from preparing for the exam. Another option is to use certain sounds that stimulate your brain performance. With Noisli you can set the nature sounds that increase your productivity.
Nutrition: If you work, you can also enjoy yourself
As is well known, eating too heavy makes the mind sluggish. When preparing for the exam, you should eat food that is high in energy but not too fatty . Nuts, fish and avocado contain important unsaturated fatty acids that are good for the brain and provide the energy needed to increase concentration. If your body craves sweets but you don't want to resort to chocolate and the like, fruits are a suitable source of sugar.
It's not for nothing that the mix of nuts and dried fruits is called 'trail mix' - it's the perfect culinary combination to increase concentration while preparing for exams. Don't forget to drink enough and if the old water gets on your nerves over time, just pimp it up. This can be done, for example, with lemon slices, mint leaves or a fruit syrup .
Variety: Take a break sometimes
Studies show that those who just cram and don't take breaks to relax are less productive. There should also be a balanced mix of work and free time when preparing for the exam, because this is the only way you can increase your concentration in the long term. Suitable ways to clear your head and switch off are going for a walk, doing sports or doing something fun with friends. The important thing is that you should relax during the break and do something good for your body.
So it is not advisable to read or watch TV because your eyes also need to rest. Alcohol and all-nighters also act like a thick eraser that erases what you have just learned and are not recommended during exam preparation. So go to the swimming pool, go on a hike or meet up for a coffee chat. Because only if you give your head a break every now and then can you increase your concentration in the long term and successfully prepare for the exams.
More tips at a glance
There are even more good tips on how you can get through your exam preparation unscathed and increase your concentration here:
- Don't let your fellow students drive you crazy. Everyone learns differently, so just focus on yourself.
- When preparing for the exam, make sure you sit straight so that your shoulders don't tense up and you don't get a headache.
- Small stretching exercises after sitting for a long time awaken new spirits and increase your concentration.
- Get enough sleep (7-8 hours per night) so that you don't nod off over the stapler.
Photo credit: flo-flash / photocase.de
Part II of the exam preparation trilogy. Today you will find out how you can increase your concentration while studying and thus remain disciplined throughout the exam phase.
