Cramming for a big test or exam has become a staple in the lives of students, especially in post-secondary institutions. When it comes to reviewing formulas, concepts and key word definitions, there may be some students who benefit from this last minute cramming – but a majority do not. Cramming should be used as a last resort only, as it rarely makes a major positive difference in student test outcomes. Those who stay up all night right before a test are likely to be deficient, and this can slow brain responses and thinking, even hurting your test score potential from the moment you walk in the classroom.

Studying each night in increments and not procrastinating is the ideal situation, but for older students with many responsibilities, this is not always easy to do. If you’ve studied in smaller increments over time, you won’t be compelled to cram the night before – a simple review should do you just fine.

Why doesn’t cramming work for everyone? Because learning new material that isn’t reinforced in class or with testing materials shows a lower retention rate, which means you won’t be able to fully absorb all of the information. More importantly, it can throw off your brain balance and the functioning of your neurotransmitters, which in turn, can throw your entire body out of whack. In conjunction with this, there is also tiredness, which comes from when students try to read and comprehend information the night before a test, and this tiredness completely diminishes your retention rate. There is also emotional issues to contend with, which combines together to make a deadly combination of poor testing potential.

If cramming is so bad – then why do people do it? There are many reasons why students cram, but in many cases it’s due to an over committed and demanding schedule, which doesn’t lend itself to chunks of free time to study with. If you’re a student then you’re likely to have a job, family life and extra-curriculars that make it difficult to fit in studying time on a regular basis. Another reason is that many students aren’t regularly motivated, and have issues with procrastination. Other students get so anxious ridden by the idea of taking a test, that they simply avoid it till the last possible second. While this can be hard to avoid, you need to think about the balance of your brain, and how it is impacted when you cram study.

So what if you have no choice but to cram? Here are some tips that you can use to help ensure that you’ll do the best possible job you can, despite the odds stacked against you when it comes to cramming. You need to choose a place in your home that is well-lit and free of distractions, with semi-comfortable seating that serves as a suitable work space. Try to keep your stress levels in check, as this will only make things worse. Focus on major concepts that you know will be on the test, and make those your priority. Highlight any key points in the text, which many books now do for you.

If you try to regularly cram than you need to remain physically and mentally healthy in order to make it work. Trying to sleep a solid eight hours each night and eating healthier options and organic sweeteners is also a good choice.

But probably even the biggest advantage that students are using today is consuming an amino acid brain supplement called HCF Happy, Calm & Focused. This amino acid formulation supports an increase in your focus and attention levels which is the key to acing any test!


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