I've not heard many people say that they are really looking forward to an examination or a test.

But, some people do.

They look forward to it because they perceive the examination or test as an opportunity to shine, not an opportunity to fail.

How do they do that? Read on……………..

What kind of feelings do you get when you think about an examination or a test?

I expect it is something along the lines of a horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach or a nauseas feeling.

Am I right?

Well, there are things that you can do to help you overcome these nasty feelings and start to feel strong and confident when going in for an examination or a test.

OK, OK - tell me what they are! I hear you cry…………….

Well, the first thing you can do is to PREPARE well.

Do your HOMEWORK - I know it's boring, but it's got to be done if you are going to succeed in your exams.

Try MINDMAPPING your notes using diagrams and coloured pens.

This will help both sides of you brain to remember the information and concepts.

One thought will trigger off another until the whole answer comes flooding back to you.

If you don't know much about MINDMAPPING then look out for this excellent book, "Mapwise" by Oliver Caviglioli and Ian Harris, published in the UK by Network Educational Press.

Set aside some TIME each day to go over your notes.

It is better to do this little and often rather than to cram too much into a long session.

It is better to do fifteen minutes - and remember what you have gone over - than to do two hours and only remember two minutes of it!

You can do two hours revision in all - but break it up into short sessions.

Give your brain time to absorb the information.

MUSIC can help to aid your concentration when you are studying and revising.

Baroque music, such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Vivaldi, help to set your brain waves to the optimum wavelength for study and memory.

Drink lots of WATER - and I mean WATER - not Coke or beer or anything else of that nature - WATER!

Your brain needs WATER - ask if you can take water into the exam room with you and take sips during the session.

Feed your brain well - FRUIT and VEGETABLES are essential in providing the vitamins and minerals that your brain needs in order to function fully.

Treat it well.

You want your brain to be functioning at its best for you during an examination, therefore, give it what it needs and it won't let you down!

When preparing for an examination, don't spend every waking hour hunched over your computer or your notes - EXERCISE - keep your body moving.

Your body and your brain need OXYGEN.

Go out for a walk. Play football. Go dancing. Do whatever turns you on. Then come back to your revision. Keep a balance.

Use RELAXATION and VISUALISATION to lower your heart rate, deepen your breathing and give you a greater sense of calmness and confidence.

Use relaxation tapes and look at articles on this site for more insights into how to use relaxation and visualisation to get you calmly, confidently and successfully through your examinations and tests.

Take your favourite pens, pencils and equipment into the exam room with you.

Ask to have water with you.

Relax and visualise yourself being successful just before you begin.

Go for it - and enjoy - this is your chance to SHINE! Good luck.