Featured Student: Exam Week Non-Negotiables

By Janet Zimmerman

            With 3 days left of class and 1 project left to turn in, this semester is almost done yet some of the longest study hours are yet to come! Luckily, I have 2 study days (which make a 4 day weekend) before my final exams start.  With exams around the corner, I like to remind myself of the things that I need to do (besides studying) in order to do well on exams.

My Non-negotiable list for exam week:

* No matter where I am in my studying the night before the exam, I must get at least 6 hours of sleep.  I know myself-- it is better for me to have sleep and be thinking clearly, than to study more and not be thinking clearly.

* Exercise (in whatever amount I can get) = high on my priorities.  I know that on long study days my body needs movement to loosen up my muscles.  I also need exercise more than ever in the midst of exam chaos and stress to relieve tension. Sometimes I get three quick 10 minute yoga, running, or biking breaks spread throughout my day, and sometimes I make my own “desk” treadmill at the gym by walking and studying my notes at the same time!

* Brain food galore.  I’m sure we all do this... after all, food and nutrition is our major : ) !! Brain food becomes a whole different concept to me during exam week.  I pack plenty of fruits and veggies to snack on, eat eggs (for their choline and extra protein power), and make sure that I eat a hearty breakfast with coffee in the morning!

* Go into the exam looking at the positives.  No matter what I have learned or what I haven’t, before the exam I focus on all the information I know.  Focusing my mind on what I know seems to calm me and allow me to do better on the exams.  I don’t know if there is any scientific backing for this, but I really think it helps me!

So, do you have any rituals or non-negotiables during exam week?  What helps you ace the exams and power through the last week of the semester? I’d love to hear any of your tips!  Hope everyone has a good week of studying, getting projects done, and prepping for exams. 

Remember: You are a smart, hard working dietetic student.  A piece of paper is easy competition! (Inspiration from Carlene Helble http://carlenesfigments.wordpress.com/)