1. SCHEDULE ENOUGH RELAXATION

The day before an exam it is advisable to also take time to clear your head and relax your body. Watching a comic movie, having a coffee with friends, jogging around ... Even if you just smile, you will relax and sleep better.

2. EAT A HEALTHY MEAL

Healthy eating is always important, but just before an exam you can take care of yourself by putting some brain food on the menu. Particularly foods that contain vitamins B, E or K or are rich in omega 3 will keep your brain in shape. Some examples are fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, trout), broccoli, pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, blueberries, dark chocolate and nuts. There's a reason that the traditional nut mix with raisins is also called 'student oatmeal' (in Dutch: studentenhaver).

3. PREPARE EVERYTHING FOR THE MORNING

Figuring out in the morning which outfit is suitable, is not recommended with exam stress and a possible morning mood. So find the right clothes the day before. Put them next to your bottle of water and everything else you need: your calculator, pens, pencils... Save some time!

4. REVISE ONE LAST TIME

Make a short summary or an overview of the main points in advance. That will be the last thing you look at before you go to sleep. After all, during your sleep your brain transfers the learned information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory.  

5. RESPECT YOUR SLEEP

The temptation may be huge to squeeze in extra study time during the last night before an exam. Be smart and don't do that. Sleep is very important during the exam period. This is all the more true the night before an exam. By sleeping too little, you will remember less of everything you already knew. Moreover, you won't be able to concentrate as well during the exam itself.

6. DO NOT EXAGERATE

If you really want to check something right before your exam, do it at breakfast. Don't make the mistake of taking your course along the way or while waiting outside the exam room. That will only confuse your brain. Even if you don't know the whole course, trust what's already in your head.

Do you have trouble falling asleep during exams?