You or a member of your family may have to face exams soon. At McKane's Pharmacy, Ballina, staff would like to share a few tips on how to cope with exam pressure. Some you will have heard before, but if even one of them helps you through the difficult exam period, they will be delighted.
Are you a morning grouch or an early bird? Work to your strengths and choose your weakest/sleepiest time of the day to close the books, be sociable, or take some exercise: Walk, jog, cycle or swim at least once a day. Even 10 minutes exercise will leave you calm and more focused.
Work steadily, and don't try to work all day/night, every day/night — you will wear yourself out and probably underperform on the day.
Pick a dedicated, quiet, place to study, with good natural light if possible. Listening to relaxing music helps stress levels, but not when studying — it has been shown to prevent memory recall (sorry ).
Eat healthily — this sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people forget it. Skip the sugary snacks if you can, they only make you crash later. Instead, choose foods that will keep your sugar levels stable, like porridge or muesli for breakfast, and at least one salad or home-made smoothie a day.
Visualise things going well in your exam. Just imagining that you have done well in a particular subject can really focus your brain on a positive outcome.
Products that may help concentration
Products containing Omega 3, 6, and 9 oils for concentration - Eskimo Brainsharp Capsules or Solgar 2:1:1 Concentrate Oil.
Products containing Ginseng have been shown to aid stamina and concentration - McKane's Pharmacy’s favourite product is Pharmaton Activit G - an easy to take ginseng and vitamin once-a-day drink.
Stress
Yes, exams can be really stressful for you and your family. Remember stress can be contagious — this may not be the time to have a study session or hang out with super-stressed friends, especially if they are complaining about all the work they still have to do. If you do feel under pressure, talk to a parent, teacher or trusted family member.
Products containing Vitamin B Complex may help with stress - McKane’s favourites are Healthcare Spray Vitamins which can be sprayed under your tongue when needed and are small enough to carry with you, or Bach Rescue Range herbal remedies in drops, spray, or pastille, to ease tension.
Taken together, these products may help improve your focus and concentration.
All of McKane’s exam-aid products will be on special offer from now until exam time at McKane’s Pharmacy, Ballina (see ad below ).
Exams are important, but some of the world's most successful people either never sat exams or failed the ones they did sit - think Richard Branson, Walt Disney, Michael Dell and Bill Gates. So no matter what the outcome of your exams, there are always options open to you. Remember, ultimately, there are more important things in life than exams. Good luck.
