Exam Day Prep List: Start Your Day Right
It’s arrived. The first day of your exams is here and your anxiety levels are naturally high. The first thing to realise is that nerves and feeling anxious are completely normal human reactions. No matter how much you’ve revised and are confident on your subjects, you’re sure to feel uneasy. And, that’s perfectly normal.
Starting your exam day right will set the tone for success. Plus, a good morning routine will make a real difference in getting you through your calendar of exams calmly over the next couple of months.
The night before
A little preparation the evening before your exam is likely to help you sleep better and feel more relaxed, and less rushed in the morning.
Double check your exam time and location. Pack your bag with your student ID, pens, water bottle, calculator, or any other equipment you need for the exam. Lay out the clothes that you plan to wear. Also, check the weather forecast to see if you’re going to walk or get to the exam another way.
Getting to bed at a reasonable time is always a good idea.. Avoid late night revision cramming, doom scrolling on your phone or watching anything on TV that might stimulate your brain too much. Instead, focus on making a healthy, early dinner, chatting to a friend or family member, and then a few pages of your favourite book or some sleepy yoga before a lovely, restful sleep - ideally around 8 hours.
Your wake-up strategy
Give yourself enough time in the morning to get everything done without a need to rush. Set your alarm for an agreed time, and don’t hit the snooze button once it rings. Science says that the sound you choose for your alarm clock can also affect the shape of your day, so consider this too!
Avoid checking your phone as soon as you wake up, and instead choose some calming breath exercises to start your day with focus.
Get moving
Some light movement is a good idea before you have breakfast.
This will help to wake up your body and brain, and reduce any tension or niggles that have surfaced overnight. Some light stretching, a few quick mobility exercises or a short yoga routine is sure to help you loosen up.
If time, weather and your location allows, choose to walk for part of your journey to the exam. Your brain cells are sure to reap the benefits of that fresh Liverpool air (even if it’s a bit chilly).
Breakfast to power your brain
Whatever you do - don’t skip breakfast before you leave home on an exam day. You might think you’re saving time, but skipping breakfast is likely to affect your energy levels and could make it harder for you to concentrate later on - especially with the sound of a rumbling tummy mid-exam!
Quick, nutritious, realistic options for an exam day breakfast include toast & peanut butter, porridge with banana, seeds and honey, or a couple of boiled eggs. Don’t eat too fast either. Take your time. Breathe and let your food settle naturally.
Hydration also matters massively, so remember a large glass of water before caffeine always.
Just before you go into your exam
The moment just before you go into your exam is sure to be one of the most nerve-wracking. So, try to keep things as calm and quiet as possible.
If there are a lot of people milling around close to the exam room when you arrive, take yourself off to a place where you don’t feel too distracted or overwhelmed. Avoid last-minute revision panic by staying away from stress-inducing conversations and trusting that you’ve done enough.
Focus on staying calm and centred with gentle breathing exercises and positive self talk. Don’t panic if your mind goes blank - just pause, reset and visualise yourself successfully completing the exam paper before you enter the room. You’ve got this!
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