Chew Some Gum:
According to a recent study preformed by St. Lawrence University, chewing gum before and during a test is shown to improve test scores. Scientists suggest this is because the movement of chewing gum brings more blood to the head, "energizing" the brain in a way. So hey, chewing some gum before the test can't hurt.
Exercise:
Many studies have shown that exercising before a test can improve mental performance and help to wake you up before a test. According to Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Ratey, exercising increases blood flow dramatically causing an immediate boost in concentration and mental focus. The test is in the morning so exercising a bit will help to wake you up and prepare you for the exam.
Eat before the test:
On the day of the test make sure to eat a good breakfast. Protein rich food can lead to greater mental alertness and fruit is a good idea as well. Stay away from foods that are high in sugar like candy or cookies, and don't eat turkey because it contains an amino acid that make you feel sleepy.
Go to bed early:
Make sure to get a good night's sleep the night before the exam. Nothing is as important as being well rested when taking a test. Your mind and body need to prepare for the long, grueling test and it is essential to be well rested and ready to take the exam.
Interesting post Peter. On the day of the AP exam I made sure that I had gone to bed earlier and had eaten a good breakfast, but I did not know that exercising or chewing gum could increase mental productivity. I guess I should have run to school that morning! The idea of chewing gum to increase mental productivity, however, raises an interesting question. Assuming this is true and gum does help, then why is it not allowed during school? I think it would be interesting to bring this study to our principal and see if we could make gum allowed at school.
ReplyDeleteI think our school doesn't allow gum during school because people have interesting ways of disposing it.
ReplyDelete