Penstripe Student Planner Catalogue 24-25 - Flipbook - Page 122
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PERFORMANCE FOCUS – EXERCISE
Performance Focus – Exam Tips and Techniques
The type of exercise in which you engage will depend on
your interests and motivations. A brisk walk can be good
for clearing the head and thinking through challenges.
Yoga and Pilates are great for relaxing body and mind
while engaging in team sports can act as a stress reliever
and also provide social opportunities.
Sport can also help you take your mind off things,
like exams for example! It is therefore crucial that you
continue taking part in sport and exercise at exam time.
How Exercise Affects Memory and Focus
Amongst the many benefits of exercise is the link to
improving memory and cognitive function. According to
a study by Harvard Medical School, exercise changes the
brain in ways that protects memory and thinking skills,
directly and indirectly.
Exercise acts directly on the body. It encourages the production of chemicals
that affect the growth of new blood vessels in the brain and it impacts on
the overall health of new brain cells. It also acts directly on the brain itself.
Many studies have suggested that the hippocampus - the part of the brain
that controls thinking and memory - is larger in people who exercise than in
those who don’t. Exercise can also indirectly boost memory and thinking by
improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety, all of which
are required for success in exams.
Copyright © 2021 Inspire Education
Furthermore, besides improving memory, studies in Germany and the USA
have demonstrated that exercise can improve concentration levels, help you
stay on task and ignore those annoying distractions.
You should do your best to get 45-60 mins of exercise
every day especially during exam time. And, like
our Power Hour, this can also be broken down into
smaller chunks (let’s say three shorter brisk walks
of 20 minutes each).
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The exams are imminent, and it is perfectly normal to feel fearful and
anxious. It is important to acknowledge your feelings, because only then can
you begin to put in place coping strategies to overcome short-term fears and
build longer-term resilience.
Whatever your personal approach it is likely that one or a combination of the
following reasons will resonate for your feeling anxious:
1. Fear of failure - Letting yourself down, or family
and teachers is something that worries most people.
Even though we might not always admit it, we all
want to be successful and we want those around
us to be proud of our achievements. The desire to
succeed can be stressful and can have a negative
impact on performance. Importantly, you can change
how you think. You can rewire your brain and help it
to think more productively. Failure is part of life and every single person on
earth has experienced this at some stage. How we view failure – our overall
attitude towards it – has consequences for our success. Do you view it as an
opportunity to learn from mistakes or as a reason to beat yourself up? Some
advice – it is ALWAYS an opportunity to learn and improve!
2. Fear of the unknown - What if I run out of time, or a
question comes up for which I hadn’t prepared fully or
what if my mind goes blank? These are all very natural
responses when you are about to sit exams. However,
in being aware of them we can see them for what they
are: negative thoughts. Stay positive, stay focused
and concentrate on what you can control; namely your
preparation, self-belief and the fact that your best is
good enough, regardless of the end result.
3. Loss of control - Studying doesn’t have to be
difficult. Learning and studying can and should be
enjoyable. If you implement the strategies in this
Guide, then you will be well placed to take control
of your learning journey and have a successful year
in school.
Copyright © 2021 Inspire Education
Performance Focus - Exercise
Exercise is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. It
increases oxygen to the brain and gives us more energy. When we engage in
vigorous exercise, endorphins or ‘happy chemicals’ are released in the brain,
giving us a feeling of euphoria.
Description
Performance Focus – Exercise
PERFORMANCE FOCUS –
EXAM TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Description
Performance Focus –
Exam Tips and Techniques
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