Summer in Russia is notable not only for vacations and warm weather – it is the time of entrance examinations to higher educational institutions. It doesn’t matter, when does admission to universities and colleges start in your country – here is some general advice for surviving the massive stress of learning and sitting through the tests. Read this article to avoid harming your health during the busy season.

Meals for future students – light and tasty

Intellectual hard work requires the same amount of calories as physical does. But food for those on sedentary work should contain less fats and proteins and be enriched with carbohydrates and plant fiber.

Menu of a school graduate should consist of low-fat meat and fatty fish, light soup, porridge, fermented milk products and cheese, desserts (mousse, jelly or fruit salad), cookies and dark chocolate. But do not be too enthusiastic over coffee and strong tea – two or three cups are enough for the whole day.

Parents as stress factor

Parents often aggravate their child’s worries by pushing him to study harder. Do not remind your child of possible failure – just try to help him to be calm and optimistic. Recall your own experience of entering the college and help your child to write brief summaries of test questions – many schools do not teach this useful technique to their pupils. Encourage your future student – take him for a walk, buy him some tasty things, relieve him of his household duties for a while. Do not forget you sense of humor.

Auto-training: I shall do it.

Tests are one of the most dramatic moments in life of young people. It’s wide known that the one, who is calm and self-confident, will make it. You can try auto-training exercises: sit down in a comfortable pose, relax and put your hands on your knees. Repeat following phrases: “I know everything I need to pass the test. I will answer steadily and clearly. I’m well-prepared for this test”. It’s enough to repeat these phrases 3-4 times until you feel the things really are as you say.

Healthy life-style is halfway to victory.

Modern life-style of a teenager consists of loud music, computer, and television. This by no means fits the situation, when a youngster should learn or refresh tons of information in his memory. Best learning regime is studying for 40 minutes and having a rest for 10-15 minutes. These short breaks are perfect for some physical activity – jogging, boxing, swimming or dancing. Do not forget to sleep for at least 8 hours and have 1-2 hour walk before you get to sleep.

Secret weapon.

Many natural and medical agents enhance human natural abilities. Should one use them during preparation for the tests? Yes, he should – there are lots of harmless sources of additional energy. First, they are vitamins of B, C and E groups – they help human organism to produce extra energy and protect nervous system from stress. Then go microelements – iron for additional energy and magnesium for normal brainwork. Combination of vitamins and microelements is ideal for young brains during preparations for tests.

Good spirits also come from bananas, dark chocolate and cinnamon. Do not be enthusiastic over tranquilizers – they may cause apathy, retardation and lack of concentration.

You fail the tests – Lord forbid.

Statistics say that only two out of three applicants are admitted to a higher educational institution. Psychologists advise those, who fail the tests, to think everything over one more time – was this college or university really the only one you wanted to attend? Thorough analysis of the situation helps better concentrating and avoiding troubles in future.

Good luck!

Anna Kizilova, 27 June 2006
 

Sources:

    www.cbio.ru
    www.informnauka.ru