Examinations are around the corner and most students are gearing up for this. If you haven't started to study as yet, start now! Here are some tips:

	Make a study timetable. This will help you to organise your time and set goals. Do a timetable at the beginning of each week and do one for each day. Stick to your schedule. Last-minute studying is disastrous.
	Set goals. Before you study, set goals. These goals should be specific and measurable, and you should state the time. For example, "I will read one chapter in English today in two hours or less."
	Watch how long you study. Don't try to study too much at one time. Take breaks after every 30 to 40 minutes; this gives your brain time to rest.
	Think about where you are studying. Secure a comfortable space to study. Study space should be quiet and free from distractions. Avoid places such as a noisy living room or public places. Avoid studying in your bed. Your bed is for sleeping and you will fall asleep if you try to study there. If it is difficult for you to study at home, try the public library or team up with a friend and study at his or her place.
	Choose your study time carefully. Different persons have different study habits. Some people like to study at nights, others in early mornings. Stick to what works for you. Ensure that you are rested, alert and relaxed while studying. Give yourself about 45 minutes after meals before you start studying. While you are studying, turn off all the things that may distract you such as the television, radio and telephone.
	Review past examination questions. Ensure you have a set of past questions or papers. Use them! They will help you to focus your studies, make you more familiar with the examinations and help build your confidence.
	Manage stress. Many students suffer from study anxiety and this might get worse during examinations. Do whatever relaxes you most. Many people report that activities such walking and light meditation work for them.
	Avoid taking drugs. Some students smoke cannabis while studying. Although cannabis may relax some people, it may affect short-term memory and your thinking and may also cause people to be paranoid. Caffeine may help some individuals to stay awake but too much of it could create problems for others. Avoid drugs such as tranquilliser as they could also affect memory.
	Use study groups. Study groups can help. The group should be very organised and properly managed to avoid time wasting. Withdraw from a group which is not productive.
	Review and revise. In order to commit information to memory, most people need to review and revise the material several times. You may have to revise material three to four times before it sticks.

Good luck with your studying.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head of the Section of Psychiatry, Department of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.