MEMORY AND EXAMS

 

Before exams most students wish for a sharper memory.  A sharp memory means: they want to remember lots of information with minimum effort and maximum certainty.

Students should note that just like body-building, memory-building is a gradual process to be done regularly over a long period of time. There are no quick-fixes. Some students wish take medicines to improve their memory.

 THERE IS NO MEDICINE TO IMPROVE MEMORY OVERNIGHT.

I have seen some students using sleeping pills to make themselves calm, or to get a night’s sleep (as exam tension makes them sleepless). They may become too drowsy, unable to concentrate and unable to recall learnt material during exams, if the dosing is not appropriate.  Sometimes, youngsters get the unexpected result of feeling very restless, irritable and severely anxious with these medicines. Hence, these medicines should be taken strictly under the supervision of a Psychiatrist.

As you are studying very hard, your brain gets very tired and the need for sleep increases before and during exam time. Some students try to suppress the extra sleep by having some drugs, coffee, tea, tobacco, listening to fast music, etc. In an emergency situation, these measures MAY (no certainty) help for a day or two. But after that, the brain becomes fatigued and memory and concentration are impaired. Most of these ‘activating’ substances can precipitate severe anxiety. So you might feel nervous right when you need to be calm.

DRUGS AND MEDICINES ARE NOT THE ANSWER TO LAST-MINUTE EXAM PROBLEMS

If you have not studied at all, then the best option for you is to accept the reality that it cannot be done in such a short time- and start studying for next year’s exam. If you have studied, but not finished then get your teacher/ someone who knows the subject to advise you about the most important things to study and buck up. If you have studied regularly- have no fear- nobody can stand between you and success.

Have a plan of study that involves studying mostly during daytime (that’s the time you will be writing your exam. So it is worthwhile training your brain to work hard at that time). Your day should include at least 40 minutes of physical exercise and at least 1 hour of rest (not watching TV) and eight hours of sleep. Eat a balanced nutritious meal with lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and water. Your brain is an energy-guzzler, so you will need more calories. Your brain is 70% water and a dehydrated brain cannot work properly. So drink plenty of water, and avoid tea/ coffee as they tend to dehydrate the brain. These measures will keep you energetic and fresh. They will maintain your fitness so you don’t fall ill during exams.

THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE A SHARP MEMORY IS TO HAVE A WELL-TRAINED, WELL RESTED, HEALTHY BRAIN IN A FIT BODY