Did you get to the point where you spent a sleepless night preparing for an exam? While it's best to rest before an exam, sometimes you find yourself sleeping a few hours a night. The first thing you need to do to take the test is to be wide awake and present. Also, you need to stay awake and focused throughout the duration of the delivery and follow some tips to have a good result.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Waking up
Step 1. Do not postpone the alarm
Even if you would like to sleep as much as possible, don't postpone the alarm as it will make you even more tired. Instead, think about how long it will take you to get ready and set your alarm as late as possible.
Make sure you've set the alarm on your watch or phone and it's in a hard-to-reach place so you won't be tempted to postpone it automatically
Step 2. Get some sun
The sun can help you stay awake and active. The secret is to leave the house within one hour of waking up and without sunglasses, so you can receive the benefits of the sun's rays directly on your face.
Step 3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated will make you feel more awake, because if you don't drink enough you will feel tired more easily. Make sure you have drunk enough before the exam and also remember to go to the bathroom before the exam, so you won't have to leave the classroom during the exam.
Cold water will help you stay awake, so put ice in your bottle or put the bottle in the refrigerator
Step 4. Eat something
You cannot take the exam on an empty stomach: it is better to eat something before the exam. It doesn't have to be too heavy or you'll be drowsy. Choose something with protein and carbohydrates to give you energy.
- You can try some yogurt with fruit.
- Another option is a chicken sandwich.
- Or try hummus with carrots. If you don't have much time, eat a protein bar or smoothie.
Step 5. Drink a coffee 30 minutes before the exam
If you want to drink coffee for energy, make sure you drink it half an hour before the test so the caffeine will take effect while you take the exam. Remember that caffeine will give you a boost of energy, so drink it in moderation, especially if you don't. you are used to.
Keep your caffeine intake below 400 milligrams per day. A cup of coffee contains about 100 milligrams
Step 6. Take a shower to wake up
The shower will energize you, giving you an extra boost for your exam. The secret is to use the hot-cold technique to make you more alert.
Set the cold water for 30 seconds, then return to the temperature you usually use. Repeat the operation for another 30 seconds. The process of alternating hot and cold water will wake you up faster
Step 7. Get some exercise
To wake up before the exam, do some easy exercises. Accelerating your heart rate helps you to be more present, but you don't have to go for a run: 5-10 minutes of walking, a few jumps or a light run are enough.
Step 8. Don't put off sleep for too long
Sleeping is essential for your health, otherwise there will be more chances of getting sick, raising your blood pressure, worsening your mood and affecting your concentration and memory. A good night's sleep is the best thing you can do before an exam.
Part 2 of 3: Staying Awake During the Exam
Step 1. Dress lightly
If possible, keep your body temperature not too high, so wear clothes that keep you cool. Doing so will make it easier to concentrate, so wear a t-shirt instead of a sweater: if you wear clothes that are too warm you could doze off during the exam.
Step 2. Sit by the window
Just as it helps you stay awake, sunlight can help you stay focused during the exam. For as much light as possible try sitting by the window: this way you will have both natural and artificial light, and natural light will help you stay awake.
Step 3. Eat chewing gum
Chewing gum can help you stay awake, as it helps the circulation of oxygen to your brain. Eat a chewing gum during the exam to maintain concentration - but chew slowly otherwise you will disturb the whole classroom.
Step 4. Take breaks
If you find yourself having trouble concentrating, take short breaks to cool your brain. Just lift your head from the paper and look away. Taking deep breaths can help you, as the flow of oxygen to the brain will keep you awake.
Step 5. Ask to go to the bathroom
If the teacher leaves you, take a break in the bathroom. Refresh your face with water. If possible, try to go out and take a breath of fresh air because taking two steps can help you stay awake.
Part 3 of 3: Taking the Exam
Step 1. Don't get overwhelmed by the exam
If you are tired, the exam could make you feel overwhelmed, since you have to answer many questions. The secret is to stay calm. Take deep breaths and answer one question at a time.
Step 2. Read the questions carefully
You are tired and sleepy, you may not understand what is being asked of you. Make sure you read each question carefully so that you understand the question before even giving the answer. This way you won't make mistakes.
If you need to, try reading softly. Obviously you cannot read aloud during the exam, but you can pretend to read by moving your lips only: it will help you concentrate better
Step 3. Complete the hardest parts first
Try to understand which are the most complicated parts of the exam: your brain will be more concentrated and ready to start the test, but as you answer the rest of the questions you may feel fatigue growing. So try to complete the most difficult parts first, so that you have more concentration to answer correctly.
Another method is to complete the parts where you are most sure you know the correct answer. This way you can respond without making mistakes. But by doing this you may have some problems when you have to deal with the parts that are the most difficult for you
Step 4. Write what you remember
If you got little sleep, you may not remember exactly what you studied. However, this does not mean that you have to leave the answer blank, even if you only remember one part. Try to come up with a short answer or make a rational choice if it's a multiple choice quiz.
- Many teachers give half a point if part of the answer is correct.
- In the multiple choice test, choosing a rational answer begins by eliminating the ones you are sure are wrong. If even so you can't remember the answer, choose one of the remaining options.
Step 5. Don't get too stressed about the answers you don't know
When you are tired it is very common to focus on the questions you do not remember, trying to find the right answer. Instead of pissing yourself off that question, skip it. If you still have time at the end of the exam, you can go back and try to complete what you left blank.
Step 6. Write legibly
Your handwriting may get worse if you are tired, so you need to make sure it is clear and legible. You will not receive any points if the teacher fails to read what you have written. If your handwriting is normally illegible, you will need to pay special attention.
Step 7. Review the test before submitting it
If you have some time to spare, re-read the answers you gave. Fatigue could cause oversights due to lack of concentration, so you need to double-check that you haven't made any silly mistakes. Please review each question and answer and make sure you have answered fully, that you have not skipped a part or that you have misunderstood the question.
You do not have to change the answer if you have read the question correctly. Your instincts know it
Step 8. Sleep
Now that you have finished the exam, go home and rest. You probably won't be able to catch up on all your lost sleep, but a good night's sleep is essential. You have to commit to resuming your sleep routine and the best way is to go to sleep at the time you are used to.
- Not getting enough sleep could cause sleep problems, and if your body doesn't have enough time to recover, your health may suffer in the long run.
- Studies have confirmed that sleep deprivation equates to intoxication.
