Studying for an exam can be one of the most stressful experiences a student has to face. It involves preparing, studying, and sitting for an exam.
Studying for a big exam or test can be stressful and overwhelming for several reasons:
- Many students know the material well, but getting all the information they need down on paper can be a daunting task.
- Many students have a hard time focusing for long periods of time. This can also make it more difficult for them to stay awake and study.
- Many students get anxious as they get closer to the exam date.
- Students can feel pressure to do well during exams, which can cause them to procrastinate.
However, there are ways to overcome all of these obstacles.
Here’s How to Focus During an Exam or Test:
Establish A Plan
Any exam or test focuses on one thing—getting an A- or consistently getting all questions correct. However, this is easier said than done, especially when cramming the night before the test. To ace an exam or test, it helps to have a plan in place. No one enjoys taking an exam or test, but each of us has had to do it at one time or another. Knowing how to stay focused during an exam can make all the difference. A few minutes spent planning your test prep can go a long way toward helping you get the most you can from experience. Simple preparation, such as organizing your study space, setting a schedule for studying, and anticipating test questions, can significantly impact your performance. You know the drill: When it’s time for that big exam or test, you can’t seem to stay focused, and your mind starts to wander. You open your textbook or workbook only to remember you need it later. Instead of studying, your brain is telling you to take a nap. It’s not the end of the world, and you’re not going to fail your exam, but with a little planning and preparation, you can boost your focus.
Look For a Revision Spot
Focus is the key to learning. When studying for a big test, it’s easy to get distracted. Our mind races with so many thoughts that it’s hard to concentrate. Instead of studying, your brain and body are on overdrive from overstimulation. You know how important it is to stay relaxed when sitting for your upcoming exam or test. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to concentrate and focus during actual tests. However, there are ways to stay focused and remain calm during exams and tests. Look For a Revision Spot. Studying for an upcoming exam or test can be stressful. While no one wants to be a scatterbrain and forget everything they studied, it’s normal to study too hard and lose track of what information you’ve actually retained. It’s impossible to completely block distractions while in your revision spot; there are tactics you can use to channel your study time to achieve peak performance.
Keep An Eye on Your Goal
Most of us have set goals to achieve something. Whether it’s graduating from college, having a successful career, or raising a family, we constantly strive to achieve more and become better people. What usually holds us back from reaching these goals—and from reaching them on time—is not a lack of motivation or determination but rather a complete lack of focus. But, the focus isn’t the only thing that helps us achieve our goals; it also helps keep us motivated and committed to achieving them.
Allow Downtime
If you’ve ever tried to keep focused during a long test, you know it’s not always easy. But there are ways to stay vigilant while studying and improving your focus. Allow yourself some downtime. Most of us spend most of our waking hours at work, commuting to and from school, running errands, and even relaxing in front of the TV or on social media.
Keep Your Blood Flowing
When you are sitting for hours at a desk or studying for an exam, the last thing you want to do is become sleepy or fall asleep. To help pass the time, try moving and stretching. Stretching for 10 minutes increases blood flow to your brain, which can help you stay focused. Keep your back straight, keep your shoulders back, and close your eyes. Slowly bend forward, opening your legs and stretching your arms out in front of you. Then slowly stand up, returning to a normal standing position. Repeat the stretch 10 times.
Get Enough Rest and Sleep
Studying is hard work. It requires focus and concentration, and that requires time. Many people spend weeks, maybe months, studying for a test. However, some students find that when the time comes to study, they can barely stay awake. If you are one of these students, try these seven tips to improve your focus and concentration. Getting enough rest, sleeping well, and drinking plenty of water are the keys to staying alert and awake.
Avoid Distractions
When faced with an exam, you should focus on one goal at a time; you should not waste time doing other things. When you feel the urge to do other things, like checking your phone or email, tell yourself that you will check them later. Focus on your exam. When you are worried and anxious about an upcoming exam, your mind strays from the task at hand. Instead of focusing on school, your brain goes on a wild-goose chase. When you find yourself worrying about your school work, try to shift your attention to something else. Instead of worrying, you can take a walk or read a book.
Keep your mind focused by remembering that one important thing. Stay on task, don’t get distracted, and do what you have to do to the best of your ability. Strategy is the key to academic success. Just as a strategy is needed to win a match, it is needed to pass an exam or test. A game plan is vital in minimizing nervousness and maximizing concentration. The more relaxed and dedicated you are, the better the result.
