I have a test tomorrow

Okay so I assume since you are looking at this, you have a test coming up. Well let's take a second to breathe. Now, it happens that I am the expert of last minute studying. I procrastinate studying for tests a lot.
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    You see, I am a BIG procrastinator when it comes to any school work, but especially tests. I forget there are tests or they are surprises. Today was no different. I woke up this morning only to remember that I forgot about my business test and I have not studied. In fact, I avoided doing 90% of the work in this class because it bores me. But then, I studied. Wow did I do okay on my test. So now, I am going to introduce you to “Joey’s Guide To HOLY SHIT I HAVE A TEST TOMORROW”.
Honestly, step one in “Joey’s Guide To HOLY SHIT I HAVE A TEST TOMORROW”, is taking a break. 

When you know there is a test coming up, you’re bound to feel nervous, scared, and anxious. There is no avoiding it. So take a minute, breathe or read or do something that keeps you calm and relaxed. Just calm your brain before step two. An anxious brain does not retain as much information as a calm brain.


If you are calm, you are officially ready for step two. Create a playlist of calm, instrumental songs. These will help you remember more when it comes to your test. Studies have shown that classical music helps you keep information in your head so it doesn’t come out your ears.
( https://news.usc.edu/71969/studying-for-finals-let-classical-music-help/ )


Step three, listen to your music and take out your books. Focus on the parts you have a hard time with. If it is a math test and you have a hard time with y=mx+b then work with that. You can also use resources like IXL. They have math questions you can practice with and they also have english. This is mainly used in Canada though.


Step four is to take a three minute break for every ten minutes you are productive. I know those numbers are odd but for me it works. I am a big fan of exact numbers so having a three minute break helps me rest my brain but still keep my focus up by focusing on the time.


Step five is don’t try to study all night. A tired brain does not remember information as well as a rested brain. If your test is in the afternoon, study at lunch time while you eat. If your test is in the morning, study before classes start. Staying up all night is going to hurt you more than it is going to help you. 
Step number six is a personal favourite. Have a rewards system. Growing up, during tests or the few days before tests my teachers would give us a small bag with smarties, gum, and a few other little snacks. Rewarding yourself for the little things well help you feel motivated. During EQAO testing (exams for grades 3 and 6), this was especially helpful. When we finished difficult questions we were allowed to munch a bit. If we finished all of our snacks before the end of the test you got peppermint gum.


That leads me to step seven, chew peppermint gum while studying. I have always found it keeps me calm during tests and exams. Peppermint is something that always helped me remain calm growing up especially during the difficult times. I found it especially helpful during tests though. 
I hope you found these steps helpful and I hope everything is well and good. If you need more studying tips, check out some of our other articles on the matter. I hope you all do well on your tests!

Joey