Exam Season is upon us. Many teenagers and young adults are studying hard, preparing for their up and coming exams. Wanting to do the best they can so that they can achieve the score they require. But over whelming stress can impede their brain’s ability to take in information. Even if you’re not studying, but learning something new at work, it’s important to keep your stress under control. A little stress is great. It can help motivate us to get things done. But too much stress can have a negative affect on our ability to learn.
Here are my top tips to help boost your brain during Exam Season:
- Reduce your stress by incorporating mindfulness into your day. Regularly take breaks and tune in to your body and your surroundings. Engage all your senses. Feel how your body feels and bring your attention to your breathing. Listen to the sounds around you. Look outside a window and take in the beauty of nature.
- Begin to meditate at least once a day. Start the day off by slowing your breathing and visualising your day ahead. See yourself achieving everything you set out to do. See yourself having a successful day.
- Periodically go outside and place your bare feet on the grass. This is called Earthing and there are many benefits to this, including grounding and balancing your body.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Learning can be impaired if you are tired. Get at least one good night’s sleep every week.
- Sit or stand up and imagine a yellow light radiating out from just below your heart area (imagine Iron Man from the Marvel movies). This will encourage your body to straighten up. Then place one hand over your forehead and one hand at the back of your head for Emotional Stress Release. This will help your brain come back to the present moment (you can see this in action here).
- Place your hands behind your head and lean back (be careful not to fall off your chair). Feel the stretch in your mid and upper back. (you can see this in action here).
- Get into Hook Up position and then twist your whole body to one side, and then the other. This will help release more back muscles. (you can see this in action here)
- Pump your feet to get blood flowing to your entire body.
- Get up and walk around when switching from one subject to another to freshen up your mind.
- Use essential oils to boost your brain power.
- Lemon for focus
- Peppermint for energy
- Rosemary for memory
- Orange for mood boosting
- Sage for mental fatigue
- Hand write your study notes when you can. There is a strong link between handwriting and memory.
- Remember to breathe. Set a reminder on your phone to spent 30 seconds tuning in to your breathing every hour.
Obviously, nothing beats learning as you go and studying over a period of time. Don’t leave everything until the last minutes.
Happy Studying during the Exam Season and remember that a kinesiology session can also help!
And remember, Happiness Starts with a Smile and Empowerment Starts with a Choice!
