Healthy Habits for Exams 

Congrats to all my fellow Year 11s for getting through the gruelling 2024 mid-semester exams!

All the Year 11 students fielded exams from the 6th to 14th June, with a week of exams featuring challenges in each subject. As much as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Year 11 students, let us not forget that exams are not only a measure of knowledge but also a test of character, as it really helps differentiate students based on wit, perseverance, and resilience. 

When it comes to beating exam stress, here are a few critical tips that might give students of the future just that little bit more confidence:

Stay Hydrated:  Drinking enough water is a necessity at all times but more so during exams for high cognitive function and concentration. Keep the water bottle close by at  all times whilst studying and with you on exam days to keep you up to your mark.

Get Enough Sleep: I can't stress this enough, but sleep is priority No. 1 for memory consolidation. You could spend 5 hours revising an exam and, if you don't get the appropriate 8-9 hours of sleep, all that you revised would be pointless. Sleep will refresh your mind and make you more alert, keeping you on your A-Game.

Exercise regularly: One, it will mitigate stress and increase concentration since there is an immediate endorphin release after exercise. It also keeps your hormones in check, for example, serotonin and melatonin levels that are responsible for the sleep onset and growth hormone that boost concentrations. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students incorporate short breaks for exercise (cardio, weightlifting, pilates or yoga) to stay at peak performance. 

Eat well: Maintain as much as possible a healthy diet that will provide your body with the nutrients it needs for optimal performance. Avoid caffeine, energy drinks, and sugary snacks, as they make your energy crash. 

Organisation: Plan out a study schedule and set aside time for each subject. Prioritize your weakest areas by breaking them down into manageable chunks dedicated to each portion to avoid burnout.

Seek Help: Be prepared to ask for help; don't be scared. If you have any problems with a topic, there are teachers, classmates, coordinators, and online resources; the clock is ticking. Use them to your advantage. They can offer you valuable assistance on whatever you're struggling with.

Anugraha Pillay – Year 11