By Emmanuel Adebiyi
Examination starts in a few days, and with the NASU and SSANU strike. One might have to worry about extra things apart from the normal stress that comes with examinations.
Personally, I have been to Access Bank UI, to charge my phone three times this week alone and that has been the fate of many other students, some having to go to even farther places to have their devices charged. That already eats up a chunk of the time and energy needed to study. However, the exam questions won't understand this so I better find ways to manage myself for maximum productivity. Let's see some ways to navigate through this period.
1. Plan ahead : Seriously Ayo, this is not the time to just flow with whatever comes, planning ahead is key to reducing stress. Create a study schedule that aligns with how best you assimilate and include breaks to rest and recharge. You can put those breaks at times when you get your devices charged if the NASU and SSANU strike still lingers even during the examination.
2. Get sufficient sleep: It's funny that students give less priority to sleep during examinations because they want to _cover_. However, adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep and establish a bedtime routine can really help. What's an exam in UI without TDBs right? While that is not bad. Make sure you do not starve yourself of sleep by having consecutive TDBs, and use TDBs if it actually works for you because you had better sleep on your bed in the hostel if all you want to do as KDL is to sleep.
3. Use Step Reduction Techniques : Incorporate stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercise, meditation etc into your daily routine. As simple as taking deep breaths sound, these techniques help to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.
4. Eat Well: Good food is important and very important at times like this, maintain a healthy diet and kill the urge to eat anything that just comes. Avoid sugary snacks and excessive caffeine so if you have planned to go on one energy drink per night , it is not healthy as they can lead to energy crashes and increased stress level. Fueling your body with nutritious foods will provide sustained energy and support optimal brain function.
5. Seek support: Even James Bond and John Wick would seek help during exam period. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends and family for support during stressful times. Talk about your concern with others and listen to others that reach out too, you need all the emotional support you can get this time.
Remember that you have to be fine first before you can take the examination. So why lose your good health to prepare for the examination when you can work on the things talked about here. I wish you success in your upcoming papers.
.jpeg)
