2019 has been an interesting year for those aiming for competitive public service exams, thanks to the increased number of available positions compared to previous years. But did some of the exams really have to coincide with September, October, and November? If you absolutely have to study for these exams during the summer, don't despair! You'll discover a series of nutritional and lifestyle tips to help you develop the memory for studying that of a successful candidate who landed one of those coveted positions .
Your nutritional and exercise routine, your best ally
You've probably heard before that a well-structured routine of healthy eating and exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy body and mind. Well, if you want to improve your memory for studying, you should take this to heart (especially if you're preparing for competitive exams). These exams require a great deal of willpower, organization, and discipline .
Thus, if you do not follow an established meal routine, it is very likely that the disorder will also materialize in erratic study schedules that may lead you to abandon your competitive exam.
In addition, add some foods to your diet such as dark chocolate (with a high level of cocoa), drink plenty of water, add Omega 3 to your diet in the form of supplements or through foods that contain it, as well as blueberries.
Physical exercise, a superpower for your mental health during exam preparation time
Numerous studies have linked exercise after studying with improved memory and knowledge retention. According to a study conducted a couple of years ago, specifically in 2016, by the Donders Institute at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, "aerobic exercise at a specific time—four hours after studying—improves the consolidation of associative memory." In other words, taking a long walk or a run after studying for four to five hours straight can significantly enhance learning.
What if we're doing everything wrong by sitting for eight hours straight studying, and all we need is a little movement? If you want to improve your memory for studying, exercise is always a good solution, never a disadvantage.
Tips to improve memory for studying (competitive exams or other tests)
- Say goodbye to automatic thinking : Take a different route to the library or discover new music. Memory for studying isn't memory at all; it's based on the ability to connect events.
- Daily leisure : Although exam candidates are often associated with someone who's "hitting their books" for 12 hours a day, this isn't the best approach. It's better to have two 3-hour study sessions per day and leave free time for other activities rather than spending several hours studying. Doing so will only lead to burnout.
EXTRA TIP: Supplement to improve memory and neuro-cognitive performance
The ideal way to study more effectively during competitive exams is to complement a healthy and active diet with B vitamins in supplement form. These vitamins not only prevent the fatigue, tiredness, and confusion associated with pernicious anemia, but they are also synonymous with neurocognitive health . Want to learn more?